Overview
- New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Mitchell Santner completed rehab in New Zealand and will arrive in England on May 30 to train with the squad before the first Test at Lord's starting June 4.
- Santner's availability has led to the release of injury cover Dean Foxcroft, who scored 98 on his Test debut in the recent one-off match in Belfast and will return home to New Zealand.
- Santner is an established Test all-rounder with about 78 wickets in 32 Tests and a Test century versus England in 2019, restoring a left-arm spin and batting option to the touring party.
- Reports agree the injury was sustained in the Indian Premier League but differ on details, with official accounts calling it a shoulder problem and at least one outlet reporting a more severe knee ACL claim.
- The return changes New Zealand's selection balance ahead of the three-Test series and matters for their place in the 2025–27 World Test Championship race, where every result affects qualification chances.