Tim Seifertis set to miss the five-match T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies after having sustaining a fractured finger. Mitchell Hay has been named as Seifert's replacement.
Seifert had to
retire hurt after being hit on the finger while batting in a Ford Trophy fixture on Monday, November 3. Seifert was representing Northern Districts against Wellington Firebirds at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Subsequent scans and an X-ray revealed a fracture to the right index finger.
New Zealand's head coach Rob Walter shared his disappointment over Seifert's injury. He also hoped for a speedy recovery for the wicketkeeper-batter as New Zealand prepare for next year's T20 World Cup.
"We're all feeling for Tim. 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," Walter was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Walter showered praise on the incoming Hay's prowess with bat and gloves. He also pointed out how New Zealand possess enough squad depth to make like-for-like replacements such as the one involving Seifert and Hay.
"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," he added.
New Zealand's T20I squad for series against West Indies
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mitch Hay (wk), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi
