Santner picked in NZ squad for Pak Tests, Williamson returns

Auckland, Dec 21 : New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner has been picked in the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side for the two-Test series against Pakistan that begins in Mount Maunganui from December 26.
Following consecutive 2-0 series wins over the West Indies this month and India earlier this year, Kane Williamson’s men sit just behind India in third position on the WTC points table.
A series sweep against Pakistan and a heavy defeat for India in Australia would see New Zealand well placed to return to Lord’s in London for another ICC final. The Kiwis had played the 50-over World Cup final in 2019 and had lost to England.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than a Boxing Day Test on your home ground,” said Neil Wagner, the world’s third-ranked Test bowler, who is also part of the squad.
Wagner’s short deliveries had undone Steve Smith during a Test series this year in Australia.
“The Test team have played some really good cricket of late and to have an opportunity to push for a World Test Championship Final is truly exciting,” said Wagner.