Mark Chapman could make his international debut during the ongoing T20 tri-series

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Auckland batsman Mark Chapman has been rewarded for his consistent performances on the domestic circuit as he has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the remainder of the T20 tri-series, which also involves Australia and England.

Chapman, who was born in Hong Kong, is coming off a sensational showing in the Super Smash, which is New Zealand’s domestic Twenty20 competition as he was the fourth-highest scorer with 307 runs at an average of 34.11 and a strike-rate of 171.50.

As for Northern Districts wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert, he also enjoyed a lot of success during the Super Smash and concluded the tournament as the third-highest scorer with 323 runs at an average of 32.30.

“Mark has been been very consistent over the past couple of seasons and has taken his game to another level in recent times,” national selector Gavin Larsen said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). “His ability to hit the ball in all areas makes him a real threat and we’ve seen in the domestic competition some of the power he possesses.”

With Chapman and Seifert coming into the squad, Tom Bruce and Tom Blundell have been dropped.

“It’s hard on Tom Blundell, but with Tom Bruce not in the squad we wanted to inject some further power into that middle order and Tim has shown he’s one the most dynamic in the country at that,” Larsen said. “We have some strong options with the gloves at the moment, but it’s about what best complements the rest of the squad and we think that’s Tim for this series.”

Having lost to Australia in the opening game of the tri-series, New Zealand will be looking to bounce back when they face England in Wellington on February 13.