WELLINGTON: All-rounder Mitchell Santner is the only newcomer included on New Zealand Cricket list of 20 contracted players for 2015-16.

Santner, a left-hand batsman and left-arm spin bowler, was named on Wednesday for his first appearance on the list after strong performances on New Zealand’s recent tour to England, where he played all five One-day Internationals.

Coach Mike Hesson said Santner is “a player of genuine all-round ability. My feeling is that we’ll see a lot more of him with the bat, in particular, as he gains more experience”.

Veteran all-rounder Grant Elliott, one of New Zealand’s most consistent performers at this year’s World Cup, returns to the list after being omitted in 2014-15. Fast bowler Doug Bracewell also returns after the recent retirement of Kyle Mills.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2015

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