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Tickner Won't Bowl or Field, Unlikely to Bat for Rest of Wellington Test
Tickner Won't Bowl or Field, Unlikely to Bat for Rest of Wellington Test
Blair Tickner will not be able to bowl or field, and is unlikely to bat again in the ongoing second Test between New Zealand and West Indies in Wellington. He dislocated his left shoulder while diving to stop a boundary on the first day of the match.
Tickner was taken to the hospital soon after the injury, which happened in the second session on Wednesday. He has since rejoined the team at the ground, but New Zealand Cricket said he is waiting for further medical checks before knowing when he can play again.
On the opening day, Tickner was New Zealand’s best bowler. Playing his first Test since early 2023, he took 4 wickets for 32 runs in 16 overs. His effort gave New Zealand control, but his injury adds to their growing list of unavailable fast bowlers, which already includes Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Matt Fisher.
The incident happened in the 67th over of West Indies’ innings. Tickner dived full-length at fine leg to stop a shot from Tevin Imlach but stayed down in pain. He was stretchered off the field, sitting up but clearly uncomfortable, as the Basin Reserve crowd applauded him.
Before leaving the field, Tickner dismissed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge lbw, used a sharp bouncer to get Shai Hope out for 48, and bowled Roston Chase.
With Tickner out, New Zealand’s bowling attack will rely on Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and debutant Michael Rae. They will be supported by part-time spinners Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, and occasional medium-pacer Daryl Mitchell.