Tim Seifert joins Sussex Sharks for T20 Blast 2022

Sussex Sharks have roped in New Zealand's wicket-keeper batter Tim Seifert as the overseas signing for the T20 Blast 2022.

Sharks have signed Tim Seifert as their third wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming T20 Blast, with Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan and Australia's Josh Philippe already in their squad.

Rizwan was signed as the first choice wicket-keeper batter option by the club on an all-formats deal until the end of the Blast in mid-July, but, within hours of the announcement of the signing, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed that Pakistan's ODI series against West Indies had been rescheduled for mid-June, ruling him out of several T20 Blast group games.

After which, Philippe was drafted into the squad as Rizwan's replacement, but he too will miss a few games after being named in Australia A's squad to tour Sri Lanka in June. Seifert will be available for the middle period of the Blast, which suggests that Rizwan, Philippe, and Seifert will share the season between them on account of their availability.

Speaking on the new recruitment of the Sharks, Head Coach James Kirtley said, "It's great that we have signed Tim (Seifert) in the middle period of the Blast. It's always good to have someone of his calibre, but the fact that he is a batter/keeper means we are getting two players.

"By continuing with an overseas player in that role, it means we are not seeing any change amongst the rest of the team as Riz, Josh, and Tim slot in and out.

It provides consistency without disrupting the structure, which are key elements behind a performing environment," he further added.

The 27-year-old explosive batter has represented New Zealand in 40 matches in which he has scored 753 runs at an average of 23.53. The right-handed batter accumulates runs with a decent strike rate of almost 130. The Delhi Capitals purchased him at IPL 2022 mega auction for INR 50 lakh, which was his base price.