Mitch Hay In As Tim Seifert Ruled Out of NZ vs WI T20I Series With Broken Finger

Tim Seifert was ruled out of New Zealand’s T20I series against West Indies due to a broken finger, with Mitchell named as his replacement.

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been ruled out of the upcoming home T20I series against West Indies. He sustained a broken finger while playing for Northern Districts.

Seifert retired hurt after being hit on the finger while batting in Monday’s Ford Trophy match. A subsequent X-ray confirmed a fracture to his right index finger. Mitchell Hay has been named as his replacement in the squad.

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Coach Expresses Disappointment

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at the loss of a key player. “We’re all feeling for Tim,” Rob Walter, New Zealand’s head coach, said in a statement. “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.”

Walter also commented on Seifert’s form and the team’s preparations. “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.”

Speaking about the replacement, Walter showed confidence in Hay’s abilities. “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,” Walter said. “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.”

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Hay, who holds the world record for most dismissals in a T20I innings, joined the squad on Monday night. The five-match T20I series begins in Auckland on Wednesday.

New Zealand T20I Squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), 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.