New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner will miss the upcoming Test series against England later this month because of the knee surgery that will keep him out of cricket field for up to nine months, the team management said on Wednesday.

Santner sustained an injury during the limited overs series against England and had a scan, which revealed a bone defect. Further scans showed the injury had worsened and needed surgery that would keep him out for between six and nine months.

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Talking about Mitchell’s injury, the Kiwi coach Mike Hesson said, “On a personal level everyone feels for Mitchell. He’s a popular guy in the changing room and he’s well respected for the work he puts in for the side. Mitchell is a key player in all three formats for us, so we’ll certainly miss him in the upcoming series. It’s important though that he gets this fixed and we have him back for what is a big next 18 months for us.”

Leg-spinner Todd Astle has been brought in as a replacement for the Test series, as New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said, “Having another spin bowling all-rounder in Todd is of real benefit for us and he’ll be looking forward to his opportunity. Being involved in the first day-night test in New Zealand is really exciting and there’s always something special about playing England. They have match winners throughout their squad so we expect a challenging series.”

Regular Test wicketkeeper BJ Watling has also returned to the squad after recovering from a hip injury. He had played several first-class games as a batsman only as he slowly worked his way back to fitness.

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Tom Blundell, who replaced Watling and scored a hundred on debut against West Indies last December, has dropped out of the squad. Explaining the same, Larsen said, “BJ is a proven performer at test level for us and brings a lot to the group both on and off the field. Tom Blundell did a great job in BJ’s absence and we’ll keep working with him going forward.”

New Zealand Test squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.