With Matt Henry and Tim Seifert out of the three-match T20I series against Australia, New Zealand’s already injury-ravaged team has suffered even more blows. Henry has to take a little break and strengthen his hips in order to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Australia. Henry experienced hip soreness following the South Africa series.
In the meantime, Tim Seifert is sidelined due to his torn abductor during training with the Northern Districts.
Ben Sears of Wellington, a pace bowler, and Will Young of Central Districts, a batsman, have been recruited to fill the vacancy. Sears and Young are competent fill-ins, according to Black Caps coach Gary Stead, who expressed optimism about Henry and Seifert’s quick recuperation. In order to assure the team’s depth and resiliency ahead of difficult games, Stead emphasized his faith in the replacements.
While it’s understandable that Matt is frustrated, a T20 series break will guarantee he’s fully recovered and prepared for the Tests later this month against Australia. We are devastated for Tim because he has been a vital member of the team and has had a terrific performance in previous series. As stated by the ICC official website, “We’re hopeful he’ll make a swift recovery ahead of an important period of T20I cricket for the team,” Stead stated.
“Ben is a skilled T20 bowler who can impact New Zealand cricket matches, as seen by his recent efforts against Pakistan. Will has been a constant in the setting across formats for a while, and based on his recent work with the Central Stags in the Super Smash show, he can definitely contribute at this level, the speaker continued.
There are plans to play the three matches
New Zealand squad for Australia T20Is:
Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (for games 2 & 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (for game 1), and Will Young.
New Zealand vs Australia T20I series schedule:
1st T20I, February 21, Sky Stadium, Wellington
2nd T20I, February 23, Eden Park, Auckland
3rd T20I, February 25, Eden Park, Auckland
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