Aussies wary of the no 8, funnily enough his batting isn't the thing talked about...
http://www.cricket.com.au/news/mitc...ark-auckland-australia-new-zealand/2018-02-14
Even rusted-on Australian cricket fans would struggle to identify Kiwi spinner Mitchell Santner, let alone name him as the world's No.1 ranked T20 bowler.
But allrounder Marcus Stoinis says Australia have discussed New Zealand's trump card extensively in their preparation for Friday's clash at Eden Park and a possible rematch in next week's final at the same venue.
Santner displaced Black Caps spin partner Ish Sodhi at the top of the International Cricket Council's T20 International bowling rankings last month and his numbers in the shortest format make for impressive reading.
From 25 T20Is, he has collected 28 wickets at 19.96 at an economy rate of 6.88, and Stoinis revealed each of Australia's batsmen are wary of the left-armer’s threat.
"He's a real smart bowler," Stoinis told reporters on Wednesday.
He's picked up 13 wickets at 21 in eight one-day internationals against the Aussies, while he dismissed Steve Smith and David Warner in New Zealand’s 2016 World T20 victory over their trans-Tasman rivals.
However, the 26-year-old went wicketless and conceded 20 off his two overs in his side's tri-series opener earlier this month against Australia, though he returned to form with on Tuesday with a spell of 2-29 in the Kiwis' high-scoring win over England.
"We've spoken about him at length a few times, we’re making our plans for him.
"Different players will have different plans – Maxi might reverse sweep, I might just try and hit straight."
Santner has played just the one Test against Australia but has thrived against them in the shorter formats.
Australia are flying on the back of three straight T20 wins on home turf, securing a berth in the final with back-to-back wins over England in Hobart and Melbourne.
New Zealand can seal a spot alongside them in the tri-series decider, to be held at Eden Park next Wednesday, and knock out England with victory over Australia in Auckland on Friday.
Prior to their series defeat to Pakistan last month, New Zealand had lost just two of their previous 15 T20Is on home turf and Stoinis concedes Australia's good form will be tested by their hosts.
"It will be different playing them here in New Zealand compared to playing in Australia because of conditions, because of supporters, all that sort of stuff," the Western Australian said.
