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New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner calls out Champions Trophy's hectic schedule ahead of semi-final clash against South Africa, says 'scheduling is an issue...exhausting on the body'

Santner acknowledged during the press conference prior to the semi-final that ODIs can be physically taxing.

SportsTak Desk

• Tue • 04 Mar 2025

Mitchell Santner in frame

Highlights:

New Zealand to face South Africa in the semi-final.

The clash will take place in Lahore.

Mitchell Santner speaks on hectic tournament schedule.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has expressed how hectic the Champions Trophy schedule is ahead of Wednesday, March 5's semi-final matchup with South Africa. After playing their final match against India on March 2, the Blackcaps traveled from Dubai to compete. After returning to Pakistan, where they have played all of their games save for the India match, they will now play South Africa in Lahore.

Santner on Champions Trophy schedule

Santner acknowledged during the press conference prior to the semi-final that ODIs can be physically taxing, and New Zealand will be trying to prepare the bowlers for Wednesday's match. Given the current international and franchise league schedules, the captain of New Zealand admitted that he is not entirely sure what can be altered.

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"I think scheduling is an issue just all around. I think when you do have time to rest and recover, I think it's very important, like you said, with the quick turnaround of games. One-day cricket can be quite exhausting on the body, so I think for us today it might be making sure the bowlers are ready for tomorrow. I can't imagine they'll be doing much today just getting ready," said Santner.

"I think yeah I mean I don't know what you can change. I think with the heavy international schedule, franchise schedule and then trying to schedule ICC events, it can be quite a challenge. Logistically it looks like a bit of a challenge at times, but I think everyone's professional about it. As long as you're ready for the game and be good to go and then yeah, making sure recovery is quite important," he added.

Santner on players getting rest

Santner joked that the players' rest was more akin to a day's sleep before the semi-final following the journey from Dubai. The Blackcaps captain is aiming for a speedy reset for the team.

"It was actually probably more of a day's sleep by the time we got here. But yeah, I think it was obviously a tough travel. But I think it was nice to get it done, get here. We can kind of reset. The boys had a good sleep last night. So, getting ready for today and tomorrow," said Santner.