Tickner was playing his first Test since early 2023 and had been outstanding with the ball earlier in the day. He took 4 for 32, dismissing key West Indies batters and leading the attack. But in the 67th over, while fielding at fine leg, he dived to stop a boundary off Tevon Imlach’s shot and injured his shoulder. He immediately called for help, and medical staff rushed in before he was taken off to applause from the crowd.

 

This injury adds to New Zealand’s growing problems with its fast bowlers. Tickner was only included after Matt Henry and Nathan Smith were ruled out in Christchurch. His exit now makes him the third fast bowler to be sidelined mid-Test in this series.

 

Before getting hurt, Tickner had been the best bowler for New Zealand. He trapped Brandon King and Kavem Hodge lbw, dismissed Shai Hope with a bouncer, and bowled Roston Chase. His absence leaves New Zealand relying on Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and debutant Michael Rae all with little Test experience to handle the pace duties. Surprisingly, part-time bowlers Glenn Phillips (31 wickets) and Kane Williamson (30 wickets) are currently the team’s leading wicket-takers in the match.

 

It is the first time since the Kingston Test in 2012, when Boult, Southee, and Wagner debuted together, that New Zealand have fielded a pace attack with fewer than 50 combined Test wickets.

 

Even though they bowled West Indies out for 205 in the first innings, New Zealand now face the challenge of finishing another Test without their main seamers just like in Christchurch, where West Indies managed to hold on for a famous draw.