new zealand got a big shock on the first day of Second test against West Indies In Wellington, fast bowler Blair Tickner was injured after dislocating his left shoulder while fielding.
Blair Tickner injury update
New Zealand said in its official statement Tickner “Will not bowl or field, and is unlikely to bat” For the remaining tests. The final decision on his recovery timeline will be taken only after consultation with the medical team.
Tickner suffered the injury in the final session of the game when Tickner took a full length dive at fine leg in an attempt to stop a four. He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder and due to the pain he immediately clutched that area, lying motionless as teammates and medical staff rushed to assist. He was stretchered off to Wellington Hospital for scans and then released with an arm sling to join the team on the field.
Tickner’s impressive bowling performance before the injury: 4/32 in the first innings
Before the crisis, Tickner performed brilliantly, destroying the West Indies middle order and taking 4 for 32, helping bowl out the visitors for 205 after a strong opening partnership. His burst, coupled with support from debutant Michael Rae, began a collapse that changed New Zealand’s early momentum.
Tickner’s ability to hit the seam and extract bounce made him an exceptional bowler providing support throughout the morning on the Basin Reserve pitch. His departure from the match has left a huge void as the wicket is expected to pick up pace on the third and fourth days.
New Zealand faces a tactical challenge with fewer bowling options
are black caps Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke were already without injured fast bowlersAnd the loss of Tickner in mid-match left him a sore spot in the series-deciding Test.
With Tickner unavailable, New Zealand will now have to rely heavily on Rae, Jacob Duffy and part-time options to manage the workload in the remaining days. Captain Tom Latham will have to rotate his bowlers carefully to avoid fatigue and maintain the pressure, especially as the conditions at the Basin Reserve start becoming even more favorable for seamers later in the match.
Tickner’s injury also raises concerns for New Zealand’s upcoming home fixtures, with clarity expected only after experts have assessed the full extent of the damage.
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