NZ vs ENG | Blair Tickner to make Test debut, confirms Tim Southee


image-le5ccgbcTickner to make his Test debut [Twitter]

Ahead of the first Test between New Zealand and England, Kiwi skipper Tim Southee confirmed that pacer Blair Tickner will make his red-ball debut. The first of the two Tests begins on Thursday at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

Ahead of the series, New Zealand suffered a blow after all-rounder Kyle Jamieson was ruled out due to a relapse of his back injury. Pacer Matt Henry was unavailable for selection after going back to his family for the birth of his first child. 

Southee, speaking at the pre-match conference, said that New Zealand are yet to decide on a starting XI for the Pink-Ball encounter. 

The 29-year-old has appeared in 9 ODIs and 17 T20Is for the Black Caps since 2019.

Here's what Southee said

"He's been around the group for a while now and had a taste in the one-day and T20 formats. It's exciting for him and his family for what should be a very special occasion."

Southee, Neil Wagner, and Tickner form a potent line-up, with Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn sitting on the bench to fill in the remaining slot if team management opts for a four-man pace attack.

Star fast bowler Trent Boult was not picked for the series after national selectors decided to give preference to NZC-contracted players.