Black Caps captain cleared of serious injury after nasty fall in India T20

The Black Caps are confident white-ball captain Mitchell Santner will be fit for the rest of the five-match Twenty20 series against India, despite concerns over a neck injury or concussion suffered in Thursday’s opening game.

The 34-year-old left the field temporarily in New Zealand’s four-wicket defeat at Hagley Oval after falling awkwardly attempting to take a catch off Lockie Ferguson’s bowling.

Santner struggled with what appeared to be a neck issue and left the field for treatment, but returned to complete his four-over spell and lead the Black Caps to a last-over loss in the tour opener. Daryl Mitchell captained in his absence.

After being assessed by Black Caps medical staff on Friday, Santner has been cleared of any serious injury but will remain under observation before game two at the same venue on Saturday.

“[Mitchell] Santner was treated by the doctor last night and received physio treatment today,” a team spokesperson told the Herald. “He’s pulled up well and is not presenting any concussion-like symptoms. He’ll continue to be monitored.”

If Santner’s condition changes, he will be withdrawn from the matchday squad to recover fully and Mitchell will likely captain in his place.

Post-match, Santner joked about leaving the field. “I was probably more just angry I dropped the catch,” he told Sky Sport, adding: “It was a bit of whiplash there, but it’s okay.”

Thursday’s loss came after the Black Caps posted 225-4 from 20 overs, before India chased it down with four wickets and two balls to spare, following a rapid start from their opening pair.

After Saturday’s second game, the series will head north to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton, before five more one-day internationals and two tests to complete India’s all-format tour.