Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert are in line to make their New Zealand cricket debut, having been named in the T20 squad for the remainder of the Tri-series against England and Australia.
Northern Districts wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Chapman, who has represented Hong Kong in the past but is eligible for New Zealand, averaged 34.11 at a strike-rate of 171.50 in this year's domestic Super Smash.
Seifert averaged 32.30 at 146.81 and was the third leading run scorer in the competition.
They replace Tom Bruce and Tom Blundell in the squad which recently played Australia, while Seth Rance also drops out as the squad is reduced to 13.
Selector Gavin Larsen said they've been watching Chapman's progress.
"Mark has been been very consistent over the past couple of seasons and has taken his game to another level in recent times," said Larsen.
"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."
Auckland batsman Mark Chapman. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2016 www.photosport.nz
Larsen acknowledged that dropping Blundell was a tough decision, but said Seifert added a slightly different dimension.
"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.
"We have some strong options with the gloves at the moment, but it's about what best complements the rest of the squad and we think that's Tim for this series."
The Black Caps their next match against England in Wellington next Tuesday.
-RNZ
