Seifert injured, Hay into Black Caps T20's
- Dave Worsley
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies with a broken finger.
Seifert retired hurt after being hit on the finger while batting for Northern Districts in yesterday’s Ford Trophy match against the Wellington Firebirds, and a subsequent x-ray revealed a fracture to the right index finger.
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Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay has been called in to the squad as Seifert’s replacement and assembled with the team last night.
Black Caps head coach Rob Walter said it was disappointing to lose Seifert on the eve of another important series.
“We’re all feeling for Tim,” said Walter. “He’s a key member of this T20 unit given his power at the top of the order and his role as keeper, so he’ll be missed over the next five matches.
“He showed in the recent T20 series’ that he’s building up to top form, so it’s disappointing that that has been halted as we continue to prepare for a pinnacle event.
“We’re hoping Tim’s recovery will be quick and he’ll be back on the park as soon as possible.”
Hay has featured in 11 T20 internationals for the Black Caps since making his debut against Sri Lanka in Dambulla in November last year and holds the world record for the most dismissals (6) in an innings in T20 international cricket.
Walter said Hay was a ready and able replacement for Seifert.
“Mitch has shown in his international opportunities so far that he’s a top-quality wicketkeeper batter and is more than capable of contributing at this level.
“We’re lucky to be able call on another player of his ability which shows the level of depth we currently have in the T20 format.”
The five-match T20I series between the New Zealand and West Indies begins on Wednesday evening at Eden Park in Auckland.
1st T20I – Wednesday 5 November, 7:15pm – Eden Park, Auckland
2nd T20I – Thursday 6 November, 7:15pm – Eden Park, Auckland
3rd T20I – Sunday 9 November, 1:15pm – Saxton Oval, Nelson
4th T20I – Monday 11 November, 1:15pm, Saxton Oval, Nelson
5th T20I – Thursday 13 November, 1:15pm – University of Otago Oval, Dunedin