New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner was helped off the field with a shoulder injury after taking 4-32 on the first day of the second Test against the West Indies on Wednesday in the latest blow to a career marred by tragedy. In his first Test in more than two years and only the fourth of his career, Tickner fell heavily while catching the ball at fine leg. He lay motionless as he was assisted by medical staff before being carefully lifted off the pitch on a stretcher.
Teams they played to a draw in the series opener in Christchurch.
Tickner played well in tandem with Michael Rao, who took 3-65 on debut as New Zealand bowled out West Indies for 205 in 75 overs. Devon Conway and Tom Latham were tested in the final 40 minutes but New Zealand slumped to 24 for no loss.
NZ vs. WI, 2nd Test Day 1: Scorecard | Highlighting
“I think when you’ve bowled the other team out for 200 on the first day of a Test match and you’re about 20 not out, you’re happy,” Tickner said. “It’s been a really surreal few days for me since I knew I was going to play. Pinch me.”
“If someone asked me today when do you like bowling…no.
Tickner’s injury adds to a growing catalog for New Zealand, who are already without pacers Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith and Kyle Jamieson. Mitchell Hay was also handed a Test debut on Wednesday in place of goalkeeper Tom Blundell, who has a hamstring strain.
Tickner’s injury is particularly poignant given the setbacks he has had to overcome throughout his career. Just before his Test debut, his father’s house was destroyed in a cyclone. And while he was playing for Derbyshire, his wife Sarah was diagnosed with leukaemia.
“Things are bigger than cricket,” Tickner told the media ahead of the current match.
He learned of Sarah’s diagnosis when he was about to start a four-day game for Derbyshire in the English County Championship. The England Cricket Board decided he could not be replaced late.
“So I had to play this game knowing my wife had leukemia, going back and forth to the hospital and playing,” Tickner said. “Looking back, it’s crazy.
Sarah underwent chemotherapy in New Zealand when she was pregnant with their first child. He is now in remission.
“If something went wrong, I’d always be there. It was a sure way,” Tickner said. “She’s still going through monthly chemotherapy, but she’s a strong woman. It’s been a lot of pain for the family, but we’re getting on the other side.”
175 for 4 to 205 – all out
West Indies entered the match on a high after their brilliant effort to draw in the first Test. After New Zealand set them up for 531, West Indies batted for over 12 hours to finish on 457-6. Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 202 and Kemar Roach batted for four and a half hours for 58.
“The boys are very confident going into this game,” captain Roston Chase said at the draw.
The confidence showed even after West Indies lost the toss. John Campbell and Brandon King put on 66 for the first wicket, the best opening stand for the West Indies in 21 innings.
At lunch West Indies were 92-2 and at tea 175-4, still on top. But as the field hardened, Tickner and Rae came into their own. The ball came off the pitch faster and started to deviate a bit from the seam.
Three wickets fell quickly at the start of the final session and West Indies slumped to 184-7 before Tickner’s injury.
Glenn Phillip, who returned to the New Zealand team after missing the first Test, dropped wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach and the tail quickly followed.
Shai Hope, who scored a half-century in the first innings and a century in the second innings of the first Test, top-scored with 48 and Campbell made 44. Greaves was out for 13 and Roach not out.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
December 10, 2025
