Tim Seifert. (Photo Source: SAMEERA PEIRIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Ajaz Patel and Tim Seifert are among seven international-capped players selected in New Zealand A’s squad for the series against Australia A. The squad also includes New Zealand’s Tom Bruce, Jacob Duffy, Scott Kuggeleijn, Adi Ashok, and Dean Foxcroft.
New Zealand A will play a mix of red and white-ball matches against Australia A during the tour. The first game of two four-day matches begins on Monday, August 28, in Brisbane, before three 50-over games played in Brisbane and Mackay.
Patel, who has played 14 Test matches for the Kiwis, will be available for the four-day matches against Australia A. The 34-year-old has a record of the third-best Test figures in an innings (10-119 against India in 2021). Seifert, on the other hand, is the most experienced player of the squad, having featured in 49 games for the Black Caps. He will join the squad for the last two one-day fixtures against Australia A.
I’m sure that will make for some very competitive cricket: Donkers
Brendon Donkers, Australia A skipper, stated that he is pleased with the high-caliber squad in both teams. He is confident that the home team will play some competitive cricket throughout the series. He further stated that his side has included players with a lot of international experience.
“From a Kiwi perspective, any time you get to head over the ditch to play Australia is an occasion to savour. It’s awesome to have such high-calibre squads selected on both sides and I’m sure that will make for some very competitive cricket,” Donkers was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“From our perspective, it’s great to have a mix of current and recent Black Caps joining us along with the next tier of talent who have been rewarded for their performances on the domestic scene. Australia A also has included plenty of players with international experience in their side and we’re expecting to see similar quality cricket produced to the recent series in New Zealand in March,” he added.
New Zealand A squad for Australia tour: Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Tom Bruce (c), Leo Carter, Josh Clarkson, Henry Cooper, Jacob Duffy, Cam Fletcher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Scott Kuggeleijn, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Michael Rae, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, Sean Solia