|| CF DESK ||

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first T20 against Pakistan on Friday after he tested positive for Covid-19.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced that Santner had self-isolated in his hotel room, and would travel onwards to Hamilton, the venue for the second T20I, on his own.

"Mitch Santner won't travel to Eden Park this evening for the opening KFC T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID earlier today. He will continue to be monitored over the coming days and will travel solo home to Hamilton," stated in a statement.

Santner is a key player in the Kiwi T20I set-up, with 610 runs in 64 innings at an average of 16.94, with one half-century. He has also taken 105 wickets in 93 matches.