'Just a bit of swelling, nothing more' - New Zealand coach Gary Stead confident of Mitchell Santner's fitness

Mitchell Santner. (Photo Source: BCCI)

Mitchell Santner, New Zealand's seasoned spinner, has received a cleanchit of health ahead of the upcoming World Cup. After suffering a knee injury during New Zealand's clash with England, Santner underwent a thorough scan to assess the injury and the results have put the minds of both the player and the Kiwi cricket fraternity at ease.

Santner's injury occurred while he was fielding against England at the Ageas Bowl. Due to the knee discomfort, he was sidelined for the third ODI at The Oval and his absence proved challenging for New Zealand, as they struggled in his absence. With Ish Sodhi resting at home, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra took up the spin-bowling duties but returned figures that left much to be desired.

"Mitch had a full scan on his knee, which he landed on when he took that catch in the last game at the Ageas Bowl. It's come back positively, which is good for us. He's just got quite a bit of swelling around the knee still, which they think is a joint problem. It's nothing more than that," New Zealand head coach Stead said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

New Zealand's recent tour of England has been marked by fluctuating fortunes, with wide margins of victory and defeat in both T20Is and ODIs. Stead expressed a desire for a more closely contested game to observe both teams under pressure.

Stead emphasized the need to manage player fitness carefully in the run-up to the World Cup. With a packed schedule and the risk of injuries, New Zealand are focused on getting their players to the tournament in optimal condition.

"All seven games have been a bit like that, haven't they? We were just saying, it would be nice to actually have a close one so we can see both teams under pressure. It was disappointing that we didn't put our best foot forward tonight but they played very well. Ben Stokes played an amazing innings," Stead said.

"It was disappointing that we didn't put our best foot forward tonight but they played very well. Ben Stokes played an amazing innings. Both teams have taken the opportunity to change their line-ups a little bit. With such a congested period of games in a short period of time, we're certainly mindful of getting people to the World Cup without significant injury or risk," he added.

One positive note for New Zealand amidst recent losses has been the performance of Trent Boult. The seasoned bowler, who returned to international cricket after a break, has impressed with his skills and energy. Despite his efforts, New Zealand has been unable to capitalise on their starts against England. 

"I think he's taken eight wickets in 17 overs. It's great to have Trent back: he brings a lot of energy and a lot of skill to the top of the order (sic) for us. In the two games he's played, he's showed his ability as a world-class player to topple England… [but] we haven't been able to capitalise on those starts," said Stead.

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