New Zealand spinner exemplifies his team’s class. New Zealand’s start to this year’s Cricket World Cup has been perfection personified.

The side that lost agonisingly to England in 2019’s final is making their way to the knockout stage of a major tournament again with four wins from four.

Although it has been a smooth sailing on the field, it has not been the same off the field.

After missing their first two games due to a knee injury, Kane Williamson fractured his thumb shortly after returning.

Rachin Ravindra and Will Young were moved around the batting order, while veteran seamer Tim Southee remained sidelined.

It does not matter which side the Black Caps field, they are ruthlessly professional. Despite their discipline, their batters are brutal, and their bowlers are terrifyingly accurate.

It is rare for them to drop a catch, and their standards are never compromised. As they did against reigning champions England, they have brushed aside weaker opponents Afghanistan and the Netherlands.

New Zealand’s greatest success is arguably attributed to one man, who is rarely mentioned in their success stories.

Mitchell Santner is New Zealand’s Mr Consistent, a reliable spinner who doesn’t stand out, a key performer who doesn’t grab headlines.

On his way to figures of 3-39, he also took a stunning diving catch for his 100th one-day international wicket during the Black Caps’ 149-run win over Afghanistan.

Having taken a five-wicket haul against the Netherlands and a crucial 2-37 against England in their opener, the 31-year-old is now the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.