Freak training accident gifts Black Cap chance to stake world cup claim

While no cricketer ever wants to see a teammate go down injured, a freak training accident has opened a door that Black Cap Tim Seifert is perfectly positioned to walk through.

On Tuesday, a nasty collision in training with Matt Henry at Eden Park left Devon Conway in serious doubt for the first of five one-day internationals, after the 35-year-old was taken to hospital to be assessed.

And with no other top-order players available, given Rachin Ravindra’s continued absence after a shoulder injury on a commercial shoot, Seifert is almost certain to step in at the top of the order alongside one of Henry Nicholls or Will Young.

While Seifert’s return to the 50-over side had been earmarked when the squad was named, albeit for the final two games only, Ravindra’s withdrawal saw him moved up for the entire series, coming a day after his match-winning 93 in the final T20 against India in Hamilton.

Tim Seifert celebrates his half-century for the Black Caps against India in Hamilton. Photo / Photosport

And even if Seifert hasn’t played an ODI since April last year, and just four since his international debut in 2018, the 31-year-old’s desire to go to next year’s World Cup – after missing out in 2019 – still burns brighter than ever.

“I didn’t think it wasn’t going to happen,” Seifert told the Herald. “I’ve always said I want to play one-day cricket, but selection hasn’t gone my way.

“I broke my finger leading up to the World Cup in 2019, but also I’ve said I want to push for this one-day world cup. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, I’ll keep on doing what I’m doing.

“It’s always a motivation to play in world cups, especially an ODI one. But I’m not just going to go back into the system to grind away to try and potentially not make it.

“I’m just going to keep on doing what I’m doing and let the selectors and coach go from there.”

While his 50-over record might not leap off the page, Seifert’s form in T20 cricket has been nothing but world class.

As a specialist in the shortest format, Seifert has made a career going from league to league on the franchise circuit, and playing for New Zealand when it doesn’t clash with other commitments.

Because of that, getting to regularly rub shoulders with some of the best in the world has paid off. Earlier this year, as the Black Caps made their way to the final of the T20 world cup in India, Seifert hammered 326 runs at an average of more than 46 as the best Kiwi at the tournament.

Then, playing for the Manchester Originals in England’s “The Hundred”, he hit another 394 runs – including 72 off 38 balls in the final – to be player of the tournament in his side’s title win.

Tim Seifert against India in Hamilton. Photo / Photosport

And with the experience of 349 T20 matches in his career, 95 of them for the Black Caps, Seifert is confident the improvements he’s made in the shortest formats will translate accordingly.

“I’d say my T20 game has gone up a lot, [but] this will be the first time for me opening the batting for New Zealand in ODI cricket,” he explained.

“It’s a new challenge as well, at the top. My white ball game has definitely improved – playing around the world in big competitions, being the overseas player and playing with the best players in the world, you’d hope your game only gets better.

“It’s been a good few years.”

However, switching from 20 overs to 50 is easier said than done. The added time afforded to batters has in the past left many T20 specialists wanting, with uncertainty over when they play their natural game, and how long for.

But citing the example of his mentor and former coach Brendon McCullum, Seifert believes otherwise. And while there will naturally be an adjustment, there’s also plenty of examples of successful player transitions across the game.

“I don’t think there’s too much change, to be honest. You look at some of the best players in the world – they’re all in T20 teams and ODI teams.

“You might not go as hard as you would in T20s, but you still have to play your game. You look at Baz [McCullum] and those guys, how they played one-day cricket.

“It’s [about] adapting to the conditions and what they allow you to do. I won’t be trying to block it, but you’re just trying to change gears throughout formats.”

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.