OVERSEAS signing Mitchell Santner has arrived at New Road ahead of Worcestershire Rapids' next round of Vitality Blast matches, on the back of winning the Indian Premier League with the Chennai Super Kings. 

The New Zealand international was delayed in his return due to being part of the IPL final on Monday, which Chennai won by five wickets. 

The left-arm spinner will replace Usama Mir, who has left Worcestershire following the conclusion of his three-match contract.

The Pakistan one-day international leaves having played an influential role in helping the Rapids win their opening three matches of the 2023 Blast campaign. Mir scored 21 not-out and took 3-21 in the 15-run victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks, before his 32 not-out and 2-33 ensured Worcestershire beat Leicestershire Foxes on Monday. 

Santner will be hoping to have a similar impact ahead of the Rapids' clash with Notts Outlaws on Friday and Northamptonshire Steelbacks on Sunday at New Road. 

Santner will join forces with fellow Black Caps player Michael Bracewell, who has played in all three of the Rapids victories to date.

Bracewell said: "Usama has done amazingly well on and off the field. He is a brilliant guy, and I wish him all the best.

"But Mitch Santner is coming in, and has a lot of experience, and is a quality player as well.

"He has a wise head and will impart a lot of good knowledge to the players while we are here."

After this weekend, the Rapids have two games left before returning to the County Championship. They head to Lancashire Lightning on June 7 before a trip to Yorkshire on June 9. 

Worcestershire currently sit joint top of the North Group table, level on points with rivals Birmingham Bears.