![Blair Tickner [Source: ESPN cricinfo/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1765344012686_Tickner (1).jpg)
Blair Tickner [Source: ESPN cricinfo/X]
New Zealand suffered a big blow on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies when fast bowler Blair Tickner injured his left shoulder and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.
The match began on December 10, and Tickner was playing his first Test since early 2023. He had been brought into the team because several other New Zealand fast bowlers were already injured.
Tickner started the day brilliantly. West Indies were asked to bat first, and he quickly became New Zealand’s standout performer. He tore through their batting lineup and picked up four wickets for just 32 runs, making him the best bowler for the hosts.
However, things went wrong in the 63rd over of the West Indies innings. Tickner chased a shot from Tevon Imlach that was heading toward the boundary.
As he dived near the rope to stop the ball, he landed awkwardly and stayed on the ground, clearly in pain. His teammates rushed to him, and medical staff attended to him immediately. He was then taken off the field on a stretcher, sitting upright, and received warm applause from fans at the Basin Reserve. Later, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance for further checks.
New Zealand suffer another injury blow
New Zealand already have a long list of injured fast bowlers this series, including Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Matt Fisher.
Losing Tickner mid-match adds to their problems. If he cannot continue, New Zealand will be left with a very inexperienced pace attack made up of Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and debutant Michael Rae.
Before the injury, Tickner had played a huge role in bowling West Indies out for just 205 runs. He trapped Brandon King and Kavem Hodge lbw, dismissed Shai Hope with a sharp bouncer, and bowled Roston Chase.
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