In a major blow to New Zealand ahead of the West Indies series, Tim Seifert has been ruled out of the five-match contest due to a finger injury. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Mitch Hay will join the squad as his replacement.

Seifert sustained the injury while playing for Northern Districts in the Ford Trophy against the Wellington Firebirds. The wicketkeeper-batter retired hurt after being struck on the finger. Later scans revealed a fracture to his right index finger.

Speaking about the injury, head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at losing a key member of his T20I set-up.

“We’re all feeling for Tim,” Walter said. “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. We’re hoping Tim’s recovery will be quick and that he’ll be back on the park as soon as possible.”

Hay, who has played 11 T20Is, has had modest returns with the bat, scoring only 87 runs at an average of 12.42. The 25-year-old holds the record for the most dismissals (six) in an innings of a T20I match.

“Mitch has shown in his international opportunities so far that he’s a top-quality wicketkeeper-batter and more than capable of contributing at this level.

We’re lucky to be able to call on another player of his ability, which shows the depth we currently have in the T20 format,” Walter added.

New Zealand T20I squad vs 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