A tricky spinner with an adaptable style, Derbyshire has signed New Zealand all-rounder and world number one T20 bowler Mitchell Santner for the second half of the 2018 season.
A slow left-arm orthodox bowler who can trouble batsmen with his variation, Santner has claimed 279 wickets and hit over 4,000 runs since he introduced himself onto the world stage in 2015.
Available for the final seven Specsavers County Championship matches and the entire Vitality Blast campaign, Santner will lead the Derbyshire spin bowling attack and provide a useful batting option from the start of July until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old made his international debut in all three forms in 2015 and has been a consistent performer with both the red and white ball ever since. Arriving in Derby ahead of the Vitality Blast campaign, Santner has played in 52 T20 Internationals for the Black Caps and taken 50 wickets, whilst hitting 170 runs at a strike rate of 129.
His most notable limited overs’ performances came at the ICC World T20 tournament in 2016, where he took ten wickets and propelled New Zealand to the semi-finals before closing the tournament with the third best bowling statistics and an average of 11.40.
Able to turn the ball from a length, the left-armer is accustomed to English conditions having led the line for Worcestershire in last summer’s T20 Blast, taking 13 wickets at an average of 26 and an economy under seven.
Known for sharp turning deliveries interspersed with accurate arm balls, Santner is able to adapt his game to suit the longer format, having claimed 59 first-class victims, including 34 wickets in 17 Test matches.
The Hamilton-born spinner is more than handy with the bat, and holds a Test average of 25 and over 1,600 runs in first-class cricket, including an impressive two centuries and ten half-centuries, adding to his pedigree as an all-rounder.
He now looks forward to joining Derbyshire in July following a home series against England, aiming to lead the 2018 spin attack alongside the likes of Matt Critchley and Hamidullah Qadri.
Welcome to Derbyshire, Mitchell.
Last chance! To celebrate the signing of all-rounder Mitchell Santner, we’re offering Club Membership for the discounted price of £149, if purchased before 21 February. Use promo code ‘Mitch149‘ online.
