Central Stags Pacer Blair Tickner Replaces Injured Kyle Jamieson for Final Two ODIs
HAMILTON: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a change to the BLACKCAPS squad for the remainder of the Chemist Warehouse ODI series against England, with Central Stags pacer Blair Tickner being called up as a replacement for the injured Kyle Jamieson.
The 32-year-old right-arm seamer joined the squad in Hamilton today after Jamieson was ruled out of the series due to stiffness in his left side. Jamieson’s precautionary withdrawal stems from a side issue experienced during training.
Tickner, who last represented New Zealand in 2023, brings experience to the pace attack, having taken 16 wickets in 13 ODIs to date.
BLACKCAPS Head Coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in the inclusion, highlighting Tickner’s ability to fill the role vacated by the tall pacer.
“Blair’s an experienced campaigner and no stranger to international cricket,” Walter said. “He bowls a heavy ball from a good height with plenty of energy and aggression. In that respect, he can perform a similar role to what Kyle would normally deliver.”
Reflecting on New Zealand’s opening four-wicket victory at Bay Oval, Walter praised the team’s collective performance. “It was a good start to the series, and I thought the bowlers set the tone superbly,” he noted. “For Zak Foulkes to claim 4-41 in his first ODI, including the key wickets of Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jacob Bethell, showed great talent and composure.”
Walter also credited the middle-order batters for securing the 1-0 series lead. “It was also encouraging to see the middle order step up on a tricky surface, with Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell showing their experience to guide us home.”
The Blackcaps have now relocated to Seddon Park in Hamilton, where they will face England in the second ODI on Wednesday, October 29, with the final match of the three-game series set for November 1 in Wellington.
