Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their squad by signing New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on a two-year deal ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) seasons. Seifert, 29, will be available for the entire duration of both seasons, aiming to help the Renegades improve on last season’s seventh-place finish.
Seifert’s Impressive T20 Credentials
Seifert has an extensive T20 resume, having played three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand. He averages 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12, including three centuries. Recently, he was the leading run-scorer in the Lanka Premier League, scoring 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.
Key Addition to the Renegades’ Line-Up
Seifert’s signing is significant as he will miss part of New Zealand’s domestic Super Smash tournament and the white-ball series against Pakistan. His addition to the Renegades comes after he turned down a domestic contract with Northern Districts to pursue freelance T20 opportunities. He is expected to form a formidable top three with Josh Brown and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Seifert is also a frontrunner to take on the wicketkeeping duties, following last season’s shared role between Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox.
Seifert’s Enthusiasm for the Renegades
Seifert expressed his excitement about joining the Renegades, stating, “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 a deeper level. 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.”
Renegades’ Management Optimistic
Renegades general manager James Rosengarten highlighted Seifert’s dual skills, saying, “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper. The beauty is Tim has full availability, which is extremely valuable for top-line overseas players this BBL season.”
Looking Ahead
The BBL draft is scheduled for September 1, with the Renegades holding picks 2, 10, 23, and 26. Seifert’s addition is a strategic move as the Renegades look to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
