"He's not a threat in Test cricket": Ian Smith baffled by Santner's selection to Blackcaps squad for India

The Blackcaps Test squad to travel to India has left SENZ host and former NZ cricketer Ian Smith underwhelmed, particularly by the inclusion of allrounder Mitchell Santner.

The 32-year-old left-arm spinner has struggled to translate his success with the white ball to the Test stage, taking just one wicket at the expense of 197 runs during New Zealand's recent 2-0 drubbing at the hands of Sri Lanka in Galle.

Speaking on SENZ Mornings, Smith says that lack of impact with the red ball makes the NZ selectors' ongoing faith in Santner difficult to understand.

"Disappointing for me in a couple of areas," said Smith, assessing the 17-man squad.

"I'm not quite sure why Mitchell Santner stays in that team. To be perfectly honest, I don't know what he offers you.

"They clearly see him as a better bowler than I do. I look at his record, and his record suggests he is not a threat in Test cricket. They clearly think that he is more of a threat than I've seen."

Through 28 Tests, Santner has taken 54 wickets at an average of 42.16, with his best bowling figures of 3/34 coming against an understrength South Africa squad at Bay Oval in February.

NZ selector Sam Wells recognises Santner's struggles but says they're confident he has plenty to offer in whites.

Wells believes Santner played a valuable role in holding up an end in Sri Lanka with some exceptional turn and was unfortunate not to be rewarded with more wickets, also noting his contribution with the bat, scoring 29 and 67 in the first and second innings of the second Test.

"I think Mitch was quite unlucky on the tour," he told host Smith.

"I think he bowled with great control and I think we saw some numbers of him turning the ball more than anyone there. I think he's showing few signs of frustration with his lack of wickets.

"There's no doubt there's a question about whether Mitch can be a wicket taker at Test level, but I think he shows great control and does a job at an end, and he had value in the field and with the bat as well.

"Mitch is a really fine cricketer. Has he found the right combination at his level yet? It's a fair point, but we're backing him to go well on this tour to India."

The series begins in Bengaluru on October 16, where the Blackcaps will be without Kane Williamson due to a groin injury that will delay his departure to the subcontinent.

Listen to the full interview below:

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