Promising allrounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of New Zealand's tour of southern Africa after breaking his thumb in training, New Zealand Cricket said on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old, viewed by local pundits as a potential successor to the retired Daniel Vettori, will be replaced by George Worker in the squad for the limited overs series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
"We feel for Mitch because he was really excited about this tour and we were looking forward to seeing him continue his development in international cricket," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said in a statement.
"It is unfortunate but at the same time it presents George with his first opportunity ... and we are confident that he'll fit in well."
New Zealand's Santner breaks thumb, out of tour of Africa - IBNLive
The 23-year-old, viewed by local pundits as a potential successor to the retired Daniel Vettori, will be replaced by George Worker in the squad for the limited overs series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
"We feel for Mitch because he was really excited about this tour and we were looking forward to seeing him continue his development in international cricket," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said in a statement.
"It is unfortunate but at the same time it presents George with his first opportunity ... and we are confident that he'll fit in well."
New Zealand's Santner breaks thumb, out of tour of Africa - IBNLive