New Zealand spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of cricket for six to nine months after a scan revealed he needs surgery on his right knee.

The 26-year-old had a scan during the recent T20I tri-series against Australia and England which revealed a bone defect, and a follow-up has shown the problem has worsened, requiring an operation this week, followed by a long period of rehab.

It comes after impressive performances in the 3-2 ODI series defeat to England in which he scored 216 runs at an average of 108, including a match-winning 45 not out in the first match in Hamilton. He followed that up with 63 not out and a career-best 67 in losing causes in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch. He also recently topped the ICC T20I rankings.

On a personal level everyone feels for Mitchell,” said New Zealand coach Mike Hesson. “He’s a popular guy in the changing room and he’s well respected for the work he puts in for the side.

“Mitchell is a key player in all three formats for us, so we’ll certainly miss him in the upcoming series. It’s important though that he gets this fixed and we have him back for what is a big next 18 months for us.”

Todd Astle, the Canterbury leg-spinner, has been called up as a replacement for the upcoming two-Test series against England.