As a specialist in the shortest format, Seifert has made a career going from league to league on the franchise circuit, and playing for New Zealand when it doesn\u2019t clash with other commitments.<\/p>\n
Because of that, getting to regularly rub shoulders with some of the best in the world has paid off. Earlier this year, as the Black Caps made their way to the final of the T20 World Cup in India, Seifert hammered 326 runs at an average of more than 46 as the best Kiwi at the tournament.<\/p>\n
Then, playing for the Manchester Originals in England\u2019s \u201cThe Hundred\u201d, he hit another 394 runs \u2013 including 72 off 38 balls in the final \u2013 to be player of the tournament in his side\u2019s title win.<\/p>\n
Tim Seifert against India in Hamilton. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
And with the experience of 349 T20 matches in his career, 95 of them for the Black Caps, Seifert is confident the improvements he\u2019s made in the shortest formats will translate accordingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d say my T20 game has gone up a lot, [but] this will be the first time for me opening the batting for New Zealand in ODI cricket,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a new challenge as well, at the top. My white ball game has definitely improved \u2013 playing around the world in big competitions, being the overseas player and playing with the best players in the world, you\u2019d hope your game only gets better.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a good few years.\u201d <\/p>\n
However, switching from 20 overs to 50 is easier said than done. The added time afforded to batters has in the past left many T20 specialists wanting, with uncertainty over when they play their natural game, and how long for.<\/p>\n
But citing the example of his mentor and former coach Brendon McCullum, Seifert believes otherwise. And while there will naturally be an adjustment, there\u2019s also plenty of examples of successful player transitions across the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s too much change, to be honest. You look at some of the best players in the world \u2013 they\u2019re all in T20 teams and ODI teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might not go as hard as you would in T20s, but you still have to play your game. You look at Baz [McCullum] and those guys, how they played one-day cricket.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s [about] adapting to the conditions and what they allow you to do. I won\u2019t be trying to block it, but you\u2019re just trying to change gears throughout formats.\u201d<\/p>\n