Tim Seifert signs for Sussex's Blast campaign in wicketkeeper merry-go-round

The challenge facing counties regarding the availability of overseas players has been laid bare by Sussex's announcement that they have signed a third wicketkeeper-batter for the T20 Blast, with New Zealand's Tim Seifert joining Mohammad Rizwan and Josh Philippe in their squad.

Counties are only able to register three overseas players simultaneously and field two in their playing XI. With Rashid Khan expected to be available throughout the season, Seifert, Rizwan and Philippe will effectively share one role in their side, taking it in turns to open the batting and keep wicket around their various international commitments.

Sussex initially signed Rizwan on an all-formats deal until the end of the Blast in mid-July but, within hours of their announcement, Pakistan had confirmed that their ODI series against West Indies had been rescheduled for mid-June, ruling him out of several Blast group games.

Philippe was drafted in as his replacement but will himself miss a chunk of games after being named in Australia A's squad to tour Sri Lanka in June. Seifert has now been drafted in while he is unavailable, for what Sussex's T20 head coach James Kirtley described as "the middle period" of the Blast.

"It's always good to have someone of his calibre, but the fact that he is a batter/keeper means we are really getting two players," Kirtley said. "By continuing with an overseas player in that role it means we are not seeing any change amongst the rest of the team as Riz, Josh and Tim slot in and out.

"It provides consistency without disrupting the structure, which are key elements behind a performing environment. Not only is Tim's T20 record outstanding, but he has played in the IPL and CPL so will offer great experience, as well as having a very healthy first-class record."