New Zealand cricketers Matt Henry and Tim Seifert are set to miss the forthcoming T20I series against Australia due to injuries. Henry is experiencing hip soreness after playing in the second Test against South Africa in Hamilton, necessitating a period of rest and rehabilitation to prepare him for the upcoming Test series against Australia. On the other hand, Seifert has sustained a torn abductor during a training session with Northern Districts, leading to his withdrawal from the T20I squad.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about the quick recovery of both players in time for their subsequent cricket commitments. He highlighted the importance of these players to the team and assured fans of their swift return to action.
"Matt’s understandably disappointed, but a break for the T20Is will ensure he’s fully fit and ready to go for the Tests against Australia later this month," said Stead.
"We’re gutted for Tim who has been a strong performer over recent series and is an important part of the squad.
"We’re hopeful he’ll make a swift recovery ahead of an important period of T20I cricket for the team," he added.
Ben Sears and Will Young called as replacements
To fill the void left by Henry and Seifert, Ben Sears and Will Young have been called up to the T20I squad, and the Kiwi coach is confident in the duo's potential to come good for the national team.
"Ben showed in his recent performances against Pakistan that he is a talented T20 bowler capable of influencing games of cricket for New Zealand," Stead said.
"Will has been a regular in the environment across formats for some time now and his recent performances for the Central Stags in the Super Smash show he his more than capable to contribute at this level," he added.
T20I series to begin on February 21
The T20I series between New Zealand and Australia kicks off on February 21 in Wellington, followed by two matches in Auckland. The first T20I is scheduled for February 21 at Sky Stadium in Wellington. The second T20I will take place on February 23 at Eden Park in Auckland. The third and final T20I is set for February 25, also at Eden Park in Auckland.
New Zealand squad
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), Will Young
Australia squad
Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Aaron Hardie.
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