Tim Seifert joins Melbourne Renegades on two-year deal

Tim Seifert joins Melbourne Renegades as the franchise has strengthened its squad by signing a New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter for a two-year deal. Seifert, 29, is an experienced and dynamic player whose arrival will go a long way in bolstering the Renegades’ fortunes following last season’s seventh-place finish. His full availability across both seasons will significantly boost the team.

Tim Siefert joins Melbourne Renegades, set to miss part of Super Smash

Seifert’s Renegades commitment means he’ll miss part of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and he won’t be in the frame for the white-ball series against Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year period. Last month Seifert announced that he was giving up a domestic contract with Northern Districts to become a freelance T20 player to appear in leagues around the world.

Seifert has represented New Zealand in 61 T20Is and three ODIs. He is a fine T20 batsman who averages 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12, besides three centuries. More recently, he emerged as the highest run-getter in the Lanka Premier League, where he scored 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.

He is expected to complete an attacking top three for the Renegades with Josh Brown and Jake Fraser-McGurk. He will also be in the mix for the wicketkeeping role, which last season was shared by the overseas signings Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox. Seifert spoke of his excitement at the opportunity to join the Renegades and enjoy a team environment, contributing however he could.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons, I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on that deeper level which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket so I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least,” Seifert said.

“That top three spot would be outstanding and if Cam [White] feels like I’m the man to take the gloves I’ll be ready for that too. At the same time, I’m ready to fit in and play whatever role Whitey and the Renegades need me to play.”

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten claimed to be very excited about his dual capabilities as a powerful batter and established international keeper. According to him, Seifert will be fully available, which is extremely priceless for the Renegades in this BBL season, as they are very excited to include Seifert in the setup.

“Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program, so we’re excited to welcome into the club.

“The beauty is Tim has full availability which is extremely valuable for topline overseas players this BBL season and its fantastic for our club to lock in Tim and still retain our prized Platinum pick.”

Even with the signing of Seifert, the Renegades retain their prized Platinum pick for next month’s BBL draft on September 1. They will have selections at numbers 2, 10, 23, and 26, so they are well placed to beef up their squad further.