Picture Credit: X
After the conclusion of the white-ball series against England, the New Zealand men’s cricket team will host West Indies for a multi-format series, starting Wednesday, November 5 in Auckland. Days ahead of the tour, which comprises of five T20Is, three ODIs and as many Test matches, the Black Caps announced their T20I squad, which will be led by Mitchell Santner.
While the squad announcement saw some notable absentees in veteran batter Kane Williamson, who recently announced retirement from T20I, Matt Henry was also left out. However, the side was boasted by the return of pacer Kyle Jamieson and Ish Sodhi. The Kiwi fast bowler returns after recovering from a side strain, Ish Sodhi comes back after playing against Australia last month.
Tim Seifert ruled out with finger injury; Mitch Hay named replacement
However, just hours prior to the series opener in Auckland, the Kiwis were handed a major setback as they will now miss wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert, who sustained an injury during a domestic match. Taking to X, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Seifert has been ruled out of the T20I series with a fractured right-index finger.
“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,” coach Rob Walter said. However, the Black Caps have added Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay as his replacement.
New Zealand ’s updated squad for T20I series vs West Indies:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.
