Mark Chapman, Tim Seifert in Line for New Zealand Debut

New Zealand has called in uncapped batsman Mark Chapman and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert to the T20 squad.

They now aim to revive their tri-nation series campaign. Notably, New Zealand lost the first match of the campaign against Australia.

Meanwhile, the 23-year old Chapman was born in Hong Kong but qualifies to play for New Zealand through his father. Especially, Chapman has played two ODIs and 19 T20is for Hong Kong. The southpaw replaces Tom Bruce following a prolific domestic season.

Chapman hammered 307 runs with a strike-rate of 171.50 in the Super Smash while he is the leading run-scorer in the Ford Trophy.

Besides, Seifert will take over the glovework from Tom Blundell. He also enjoyed a strong Super Smash with 323 runs at a strike-rate of 146.81. Seifert and Chapman scored two of the three centuries made in this year’s tournament.

“Mark has been very consistent over the past couple of seasons and has taken his game to another level in recent times,” selector Garvin Larsen said. “His ability to hit the ball in all areas makes him a real threat, and we’ve seen in the domestic competition some of the power he possesses,” Larsen added further.

However, Bruce had a poor run recently. His low scores since Pakistan series didn’t help his cause, as Seifert replaced him. However, it seems like a bit harsh on Blundell, who had very little to do in the last match.

“It’s hard on Tom Blundell, but with Tom Bruce not in the squad we wanted to inject some further power into that middle order, and Tim has shown he’s one the most dynamic in the country at that,” Larsen stated.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Seth Rance also misses out on the flight that flew to Sydney. As a result, it leaves Ben Wheeler as the backup option to Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Hence, New Zealand will resume their tri-series campaign against England in Wellington on Saturday.

In conclusion, Australia has already set the pace with two wins from two games.

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