MELBOURNE:

Santner, recovering from abdominal surgery, is targeting a return later in the month against England, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.

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In his absence, Bracewell will lead the side for the three-match series at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, starting October 1.

Explosive opener Finn Allen is sidelined with a foot injury, while pace trio Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), and Will O’Rourke (back), and all-rounder Glenn Phillips (groin) are also unavailable.

Top batter Kane Williamson is skipping the series, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said earlier in the week.

Despite the setbacks, New Zealand's pace stocks have been bolstered by the return of Kyle Jamieson a

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