NZ vs ENG 2024: Gary Stead hints Mitchell Santner’s inclusion for second Test. (Source – Getty Images)
Despite having a terrific time in the series against India, Mitchell Santner was not considered for selection in the first Test against England in Christchurch. The hosts eventually suffered an eight-wicket defeat and that are trailing 1-0 in the series. Ahead of the second game, head coach Gary Stead confirmed that the team management is considering bringing back Santner, but a decision hasn’t been made.
The surface in Wellington usually supports the spinners and speaking on the same, Stead stated they will monitor the decision and will finalize before the second Test, slated to begin on December 6. Apart from bowling, Santner can contribute with the bat as well and that is one area that the management is considering. Speaking on the overall batting unit, Stead noted that Tom Blundell will be backed and also lauded Glenn Phillips for adapting well.
“That’s the likely big decision to make. I guess Mitch’s (Santner) selection is on the back of what happened in Wellington last (season) with it being very, very spin-friendly. But we will monitor that when we get up there and have a look,” said Stead to reporters.
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“We’ve got a lot of faith in Tom Blundell. Glenn Phillips has done an amazing job batting with the tail as well, and has become really adept at that. Tom Blundell played some critical innings for us… and we think he’s our man to keep coming right, and we have a lot of faith that he will do so. Everyone wants more all the time. I think opening in New Zealand conditions can be some of the toughest conditions in the world to play.
Stead backs Devon Conway
New Zealand opener Devon Conway scored only 10 runs in the first Test against England. His performance in the longest format is concerning as well, but Stead backed him to find his rhythm soon and make a mark.
“Devon’s a class player, and you don’t lose that class over a week, a month. He wants more, don’t get me wrong, but we still have a lot of faith in the way that Dev plays,” he concluded.