Blair Tickner, New Zealand’s promising fast bowler, was taken off the field on a stretcher due to a suspected shoulder dislocation during the second Test against West Indies in Wellington. Tickner had shown remarkable performance prior to his injury, claiming four wickets and establishing himself as New Zealand’s leading bowler on the first day.
Incident Details
The injury occurred during the 67th over while Tickner attempted to stop a boundary from Tevon Imlach. He made a full-length dive near the boundary, resulting in immediate concern as he remained on the ground.
Medical personnel attended to him promptly, and he was transported off the field while seated upright to appreciative cheers from the Basin Reserve crowd. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the injury, stating, “He left the field with a left shoulder injury and was transported to hospital shortly afterwards.” An update regarding his condition is expected after medical evaluations.
Match Context and Performance
This match marked Tickner’s first Test appearance since early 2023. He was called up to replace injured bowlers Matt Henry and Nathan Smith. His impressive figures included 4 wickets for 32 runs from 16 overs, significantly contributing to New Zealand’s strong position on the day.
- Tickner’s dismissals included Brandon King (33) and Kavem Hodge (0) through lbw.
- He also claimed the wicket of Shai Hope, who scored 48, using a sharp bouncer.
- Tickner bowled Roston Chase, taking control of the West Indies’ batting line-up.
Impact on New Zealand’s Bowling Line-up
The injury to Tickner adds to New Zealand’s ongoing challenges in this series, with multiple fast bowlers already unavailable, including Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, and Matt Fisher. Losing Tickner mid-Test would leave the team with a vulnerable seam attack comprised of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and debutant Michael Rae.
Interestingly, New Zealand’s top wicket-takers in the ongoing Test have been part-time bowlers, Glenn Phillips and Kane Williamson, each with over 30 Test wickets. Moreover, this match is significant as it features the first New Zealand seam bowling unit with fewer than 50 career wickets between them in 13 years, a similar situation last occurring in Kingston in 2012.
