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Mitchell Santner doubtful for 3rd ODI of New Zealand vs Australia

New Zealand Cricket called spinner Ish Sodhi into the squad for the third ODI in Hamilton on Monday, fearing Mitchell Santner would not recover from injury

Mitchell Santner picked 3 wickets for 47 in 2nd ODI against Australia © Getty Images
Mitchell Santner picked 3 wickets for 47 in 2nd ODI against Australia on Saturday © Getty Images

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner risks missing the one-day series decider against Australia with a foot injury, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said Sunday. NZC called spinner Ish Sodhi into the squad for the third ODI in Hamilton on Monday, fearing Santner would not recover from an injury sustained in Australia’s series-levelling win in Wellington on Saturday. “Santner experienced pain in his right foot at the conclusion of the second ODI in Wellington and will be monitored ahead of tomorrow’s match before a decision is made on his availability,” NZC said in a statement. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 3rd ODI at Hamilton

The series between the trans-Tasman rivals is poised at 1-1 after Australia’s four-wicket win in Wellington. Santner was among the best performers for the losing side, scoring an unbeaten 45 and taking three wickets. Recently, Santner has been signed up by county club Worcestershire primarily for this season’s Natwest T20 Blast. The announcement of the New Zealander’s signing with the county cricket club comes only days after fellow Kiwi Matt Henry‘s signing with the same side. Santner is an exciting young cricketer who’s numbers do not speak of him immense talent just as yet but those are likely to be set right as his career progresses. READ: Mitchell Santner can go a long way in Tests, says Jacob Oram

The 23-year-old Hamiltonian is slated to be replacement to the legendary Daniel Vettori in the Black Caps line up, given he bowls left-arm spin and is a fairly good bat. The clubs director Steve Rhodes is looking forward to Santner joining the team. “To have an overseas player with three strings to his bow will be a huge bonus to our T20 Blast ambitions,” Rhodes said.

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