Broken finger sidelines Seifert for West Indies T20Is

Wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert has been withdrawn from New Zealand's upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies due to a broken finger. Mitch Hay has been drafted into the squad as his replacement, New Zealand Cricket confirmed.

Seifert sustained the injury to his right index finger while batting for Northern Districts in a Ford Trophy match against the Wellington Firebirds, forcing him to retire hurt. A subsequent X-ray revealed a fracture.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment at losing a key player on the eve of an important series. "We're all feeling for Tim," Walter stated. "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."

Walter added that Seifert was building good form, and the injury is an unfortunate setback in the team's preparations for future events.