Mitchell Santner: Surrey sign New Zealand one-day captain

Surrey have signed New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner to play in this year’s T20 Vitality Blast.

The left-arm spinner, who turns 33 on Wednesday, will be available for Surrey’s first eight games in the competition, as well as the knockout stages should they qualify from the group stage.

Santner became New Zealand’s one-day captain in 2024 after taking over from talismanic batsman Kane Williamson.

Having also gained a reputation of being a handy lower-order batter with over 2,000 international runs, Santner starred in the Kiwis’ historic 3-0 Test victory in India last year.

He becomes the second New Zealand international Surrey have added to their ranks for the upcoming campaign following the signing of all-rounder Nathan Smith.

“I’m really looking forward to connecting with the players and coaching staff at Surrey,” he told the club’s official website., external

“I’ve heard quality things about the environment and have thoroughly enjoyed playing at the Kia Oval previously.”

Santner has experience of playing domestic cricket in England having played three seasons for Worcestershire and for Hundred outfits Southern Brave and the Northern Superchargers.

Surrey’s high performance cricket advisor Alec Stewart said Santner was “a proven international cricketer who plays T20 cricket all over the world and has built an excellent skillset.”