New Zealand hopeful Mitchell Santner can feature against Ireland after Covid positive

The allrounder and stand-in T20 captain won't fly with the rest of the squad on Sunday (July 3) and a decision over his availability will be made once he arrives

Mitchell Santner's availability for the Ireland white-ball matches is up in the air after he tested positive for Covid-19.

His New Zealand teammates will depart for Dublin on Sunday (July 3) afternoon without him.

Santner, who tested positive on Friday (July 1) is only displaying minor symptoms.

The hope is he can travel later next week having tested negative but his availability beyond will be determined at a later date.

Ireland host the Kiwis in three one-day internationals in Malahide on July 10, 12 and 15.

A trio of T20Is follow in Belfast on July 18, 20 and 22, a series that Santer, 30, was due to captain in the absence of Kane Williamson.

^{Santner is standing in as T20 skipper in the absence of Kane Williamson (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"Covid has been a challenge and will continue to be in the future and we will adapt accordingly, contingencies are always in place," said head coach for Ireland Shane Jurgensen

"He's feeling ok and the priority will be getting him into camp with us hopefully later in the week to assess where he’s at and when he may be ready to play.

"We've got 11 games across the three tours and another tour to follow against the West Indies in August which Mitch will be involved with so we certainly won't be looking to rush him."

The Blacks Caps are scheduled to head to Scotland and Netherlands for two T20Is before travelling to the Caribbean for six more white-ball games against West Indies.

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