New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies after fracturing his right index finger during a Ford Trophy clash on Monday.
Mitchell Hay has been called up as Seifert’s replacement and joined the squad ahead of the series opener at Eden Park on November 5. Head coach Rob Walter said Seifert’s absence was a “big blow,” praising his form and leadership at the top of the order.
Hay, who debuted last year against Sri Lanka, has already impressed in 11 T20Is and holds the world record for six dismissals in a single innings. Walter expressed confidence in Hay’s abilities, calling him a “top-quality wicketkeeper-batter” ready to step up.
Meanwhile, veteran opener Martin Guptill has joined the West Indies camp in Auckland as a specialist mentor for the two matches at Eden Park, adding an intriguing subplot to the clash between his former teammates and the touring side.
NZ vs WI T20I series
- Nov 5 – 1st T20I, Auckland
- Nov 6 – 2nd T20I, Auckland
- Nov 9 – 3rd T20I, Nelson
- Nov 11 – 4th T20I, Nelson
- Nov 13 – 5th T20I, Dunedin
