MITCHELL Santner made his NatWest T20 Blast debut for Worcestershire Rapids in last Friday’s home clash with Durham Jets.
Speaking to the club’s official website www.wccc.co.uk the talented 24-year-old explained why he has opted to play county cricket for the first time and his hopes and ambitions for the future.
What was the aim behind wanting to play county cricket?
“Just to improve my game. we’ve got a bit of time off now for New Zealand and I thought it was a great time to come over and try and play some county cricket and experience that kind of level of cricket with the ball swinging and stuff like that.
“There is added pressure on being a pro (overseas player) as well so I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Will playing in this country help with that goal?
“I think so. The swinging ball is obviously something a little bit different to back home. It does swing a little bit but the Duke tends to swing a little bit more.
“I guess that’s one good reason coming over here, playing in these conditions.
“You got to keep your technique pretty tight when it is swinging like that. It should be a good experience and hopefully I can help Worcestershire out with a few wins.”
Did you get the chance to speak to Moeen Ali during the tournament?
“I didn’t actually. I’ve spoken to him in the last few days over here and it has been good to pick his brain about bowling over here and what to do.”
Worcestershire have done well in recent T20 Blast competitions. You will be looking to add to the strength of side?
“I guess that is the goal, to help the team win no matter what it takes. They have done pretty well in the last few T20 competitions.
“I talked to Colin Munro and Mitchell McClenaghan about what to kind of expect, what the wickets are going to do.
“T20 cricket these days is played on pretty flat wickets but I am excited and looking forward to that competition starting.”
Did you speak to them about coming to Worcestershire?
“I think there were a couple of offers but after talking to Munners and Mitch about Worcestershire, I figured it was a good place to come.
“They said the guys were a good bunch of lads. It is quite a young group which I guess is different from county cricket but good.
“I’m 24, that is pretty old! They have got a good future ahead of them.”
You’ve teamed up at New Road with Matt Henry. How good a player is he?
“I think he is going to be a big part of New Zealand cricket. He has got the ability to swing the ball with pace and bowls in pretty good areas.
“He had a good one-day campaign for New Zealand last year and he showed in Test cricket that he can take wickets as well.
“He is going to be one of those bowlers for the future. He is still only 24,” he added.