Mitchell Santner: 'If you have a big day in the field, you can have an ice-cream'
The New Zealand spinner talks burgers, breakfast and the braai skills of Neil Wagner
Interview by Deivarayan Muthu
27-May-2021
Burger king: Santner appeals for a mid-match snack • Getty Images
What's your favourite meal?
I'd say beef burger with sweet potato fries.
I'd say beef burger with sweet potato fries.
What do you eat most often during a week?
Getting beef burger has been a bit tough during the lockdown, but I try to have it a few times a week. Two or three times a week max.
Getting beef burger has been a bit tough during the lockdown, but I try to have it a few times a week. Two or three times a week max.
Which cricketing venue has the best catering?
Overseas, definitely Lord's. They have a three-course meal and dessert too. It can be quite tough when you're fielding, and you have only 40 minutes to try [everything]. If you eat three-course meals [for lunch], you walk out onto the field a bit sluggish. But generally, the spinners don't bowl straight after lunch, so you can relax.
Overseas, definitely Lord's. They have a three-course meal and dessert too. It can be quite tough when you're fielding, and you have only 40 minutes to try [everything]. If you eat three-course meals [for lunch], you walk out onto the field a bit sluggish. But generally, the spinners don't bowl straight after lunch, so you can relax.
When in New Zealand, it's got to be Seddon Park [in Hamilton]. It's just my local.
Which cricketer is the best cook?
I'd say Neil Wagner. He definitely backs himself on the barbecue, being South African. He puts a bit more braai salt on the meat - it's salty, but he definitely backs himself.
I'd say Neil Wagner. He definitely backs himself on the barbecue, being South African. He puts a bit more braai salt on the meat - it's salty, but he definitely backs himself.
What sort of fast food is okay to eat as a professional cricketer?
All of it (laughs). Maybe McDonald's after a win.
All of it (laughs). Maybe McDonald's after a win.
What's your typical meal during a Test match in New Zealand?
It's usually some kind of hot meal - maybe some lamb or beef. You've also got your salad or sandwich options if you don't eat too much. Chicken sandwich with salad or a toastie. Ham and cheese toast goes well on a cold day in New Zealand.
It's usually some kind of hot meal - maybe some lamb or beef. You've also got your salad or sandwich options if you don't eat too much. Chicken sandwich with salad or a toastie. Ham and cheese toast goes well on a cold day in New Zealand.
Is there a snack that you always carry in your kit bag when touring?
Depends on where you're going. When you're going overseas, you might say New Zealand biscuits. But, for me, it's coffee, whether beans or pods, if you have an espresso machine. I definitely took some coffee pods to Dubai [for the IPL], which came in very handy.
Depends on where you're going. When you're going overseas, you might say New Zealand biscuits. But, for me, it's coffee, whether beans or pods, if you have an espresso machine. I definitely took some coffee pods to Dubai [for the IPL], which came in very handy.
What's your favourite post-workout snack?
If we do a morning gym session, I like to have a late breakfast, whether it's an eggs Benedict or something like that. You might probably say a protein shake or a protein bar, but I'd go for an eggs Benedict.
If we do a morning gym session, I like to have a late breakfast, whether it's an eggs Benedict or something like that. You might probably say a protein shake or a protein bar, but I'd go for an eggs Benedict.
What goes into your pre/post workout-smoothie?
I'm more of a berry man, so I'd probably have something like a mixed berry smoothie with yoghurt, or add a bit of protein there to help recovery.
I'm more of a berry man, so I'd probably have something like a mixed berry smoothie with yoghurt, or add a bit of protein there to help recovery.
Is there something you really love to eat but have removed from your diet as part of a fitness regimen?
Probably the sweet stuff - the chocolates and biscuits. If you have a big day in the field, you can have an ice-cream. If I haven't done too much, I try to stay away from it (laughs).
Probably the sweet stuff - the chocolates and biscuits. If you have a big day in the field, you can have an ice-cream. If I haven't done too much, I try to stay away from it (laughs).
If you could eat just one food for the rest of your life, what would that be?
Beef burgers. Might not be good for the weight, but I could do it every day.
Beef burgers. Might not be good for the weight, but I could do it every day.
If you could reward yourself with a cheat meal after a five-for, what would that be?
If we've won the match, might be McDonald's and a couple of beers after that. I'm sure everyone will be in the same boat in our team.
If we've won the match, might be McDonald's and a couple of beers after that. I'm sure everyone will be in the same boat in our team.
Deivarayan Muthu is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo