Mitchell Santner couldn’t sleep after he got the call that all New Zealand cricketers dream of from BLACKCAPS selector Bruce Edgar.
The 23-year-old from Northern Districts was the only uncapped player selected in the recently named BLACKCAPS ODI and T20I squad for the upcoming tour of England.
The left-arm orthodox spinner has just completed his first full season for ND and was enjoying some downtime in his hotel room with team-mate Scott Kuggeleijn when Edgar called at 9:30pm.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Santner, who made his First Class debut as a 19-year-old.
“After getting the call I was jumping around the room. I didn’t get much sleep that night. I was just lying there thinking about all the places we will go and being part of the BLACKCAPS. It is a pretty exciting time for me and my family.”
Santner, who considers himself a genuine all-rounder, was promoted to the national side after 20 First Class matches for his province.
His best bowling figures this season are 3-51 and he has an average of 55.6. His highest score with the bat is 118 and he averages slightly more than 27.
His goal for the season was to perform his three roles of batting, bowling and fielding to the best of his ability and to be a consistent performer for Northern Districts.
“I wasn’t looking too far ahead to be honest. I just wanted to fit into the team and help out where I could, I had no idea that the national selectors were watching my progress so it came as a nice surprise.”
BLACKCAPS Coach Mike Hesson likes the skill-set that Santner will bring to his limited overs sides.
“Mitchell brings to the table some all-round cover,” said Hesson.
“We’re hoping he can take his opportunities and continue the excellent progress he’s been making over recent seasons.”
Santner, who is studying Mechanical Engineering part-time at Waikato University, says it has always been a dream of his to play for New Zealand and to get his chance this early is a little bit surreal.
He has grown up idolizing BLACKCAPS all-rounder Daniel Vettori and was lucky enough to play a few games with him two years ago.
“He is a really good guy to be around,” Santner said of Vettori.
“He had a huge amount of experience and I could always ask him a question and learn from him. He has had an amazing career and he has been a role model for me for many years. It was great to see how he finished his international career.”
It is fitting that as Vettori, New Zealand's finest spin bowler in the history of our game, finishes his international career another talented young left armer from ND begins his.
The Hamilton Old Boys member said it was impossible to not be inspired by the BLACKCAPS’ run in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 where they made the final for the first time.
It was hard for him and his team-mates to play in the Plunket Shield at the same time as the BLACKCAPS matches.
“We were fielding when New Zealand was playing Australia at Eden Park. Everyone came running it at the drinks breaks to get an update on how it was going. Every time we came in they had lost another wicket. It obviously captured the nation and we were no different. We were hanging off every ball.”
Santner said it was a privilege to be included in that team as they look to continue their momentum against an England side who has a proud record at home.
He wants to soak up the experience as much as he can from his first BLACKCAPS tour.
“I want to enjoy it. Some of the places we are going to, like Lords and The Oval, are steeped in tradition so it will be special to just be there, I am keen to try and fit into the team as soon as possible and bring my game to the BLACKCAPS. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
BLACKCAPS Test Squad
Brendon McCullum (SBS Otago Volts, captain)
Corey Anderson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Trent Boult (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Doug Bracewell (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Mark Craig (SBS Otago Volts)
Martin Guptill (Mondiale Auckland Aces)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington Firebirds)
Hamish Rutherford (SBS Otago Volts)
Tim Southee (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Ross Taylor (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Neil Wagner (SBS Otago Volts)
BJ Watling (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Kane Williamson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
BLACKCAPS ODI and T20I Squad
Brendon McCullum (SBS Otago Volts, captain)
Corey Anderson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Trent Boult (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Grant Elliott (Wellington Firebirds)
Martin Guptill (Mondiale Auckland Aces)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Mitchell McClenaghan (Mondiale Auckland Aces)
Nathan McCullum (SBS Otago Volts)
Adam Milne (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington Firebirds)
Mitchell Santner (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Tim Southee (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
Ross Taylor (Devon Hotel Central Stags)
Kane Williamson (SKYCITY Northern Knights)
BLACKCAPS Tour of England
v Somerset, Taunton Vale, May 8-11
v Worcester, New Road, May 14-17
v ENGLAND, First Test, Lord’s, May 21-25
v ENGLAND, Second Test, Headingly, May 29-June 2
v Leicester, Grace Road, June 6
v ENGLAND, First ODI, Edgbaston, June 9
v ENGLAND, Second ODI, Kia Oval, June 12
v ENGLAND, Third ODI, Rose Bowl, June 14
v ENGLAND, Fourth ODI, Trent Bridge, June 17
v ENGLAND, Fifth ODI, Riverside, June 20
v ENGLAND, T20I, Old Trafford, June 23
