Cricket: Santner ruled out of tour

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 17: Mitchell Santner of New Zealand bats during the 4th ODI Royal London One-Day match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge on June 17, 2015 in Nottingham, Engla

Promising all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the Black Caps tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa after fracturing his thumb in training.

The 23-year-old was preparing for the tour at New Zealand Cricket's High Performance Centre in Christchurch when he was hit fielding the ball off his own bowling yesterday.

Santner will be replaced by Central Stags all-rounder George Worker who was the leading run scorer (538) in the Ford Trophy in the 2014-15 season.

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said it was unlucky for Santner who had impressed during his first tour with the national side to England.

"We feel for Mitch because he was really excited about this tour and we were looking forward to seeing him continue his development in international cricket," said Hesson.

"It is unfortunate but at the same time it presents George with his first opportunity in the Black Caps environment and we are confident that he'll fit in well."

Worker (25) is an exciting talent who is hoping to make his Black Caps debut.

The former New Zealand A rep offers a similar skillset to Santner as a left-hand top-order batsman and he also bowls left-arm off spin.

Anton Devcich was unavailable due to recovery from a shoulder operation.

The Black Caps, who leave for South Africa on Thursday, will play three ODIs and a T20 against Zimbabwe and three ODIs and two T20s against South Africa.