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New Delhi: New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner will not bowl or take the field at all, and is unlikely to bat for the remainder of the ongoing second Test against West Indies in Wellington. He dislocated his left shoulder while diving to stop a boundary on the opening day of the match on Wednesday, December 10.
He was taken to the hospital for treatment soon after his injury, which he suffered in the second session of day 1, and has joined the squad at the ground but is still awaiting further specialist assessment to determine his return to play.
Tickner led New Zealand's pace-bowling attack on the opening day with a four-wicket haul, but had to be stretchered off the field in the 67th over of West Indies' innings when he tried to prevent a boundary at fine leg.
He was chasing a flick from Tevin Imlach, and dived full-length near the rope but stayed down, prompting concern from his team-mates. The medical team from the New Zealand camp and the venue attended to him before he was taken off the field.
Tickner was playing his first Test since early 2023 and was included in the playing XI for the second match after Matt Henry and Nathan Smith suffered injuries in Christchurch. His 4/32 in 16 overs made him New Zealand's best bowler on the opening day.
But his injury added to an already long list of unavailable pacers for the Black Caps this series, which includes Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke and Matt Fisher. The hosts are now facing the prospect of losing a third fast bowler in the ongoing series. They were also in the same situation in the first Test, which allowed West Indies to bat out a draw.
Before being forced off, Tickner trapped Brandon King (33) and Kavem Hodge (0) lbw. He then removed Shai Hope for 48 runs with a sharp bouncer, and uprooted Roston Chase's leg stump to put New Zealand in control. Tickner's four-fer, and three wickets from Michael Rae helped New Zealand to bowl West Indies out for 205 runs in the first innings.
