Will Injured Blair Tickner Play Again in the Second Test vs West Indies?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Blair Tickner is unlikely to participate in the remainder of the second Test.
- He suffered a shoulder dislocation while attempting to field.
- New Zealand is grappling with several key player injuries.
- Medical evaluations will determine Tickner's future participation.
- Other fast bowlers are also injured or recovering.
Wellington, December 11 (NationPress) New Zealand has provided an update regarding the injured fast bowler Blair Tickner, indicating that it is improbable he will take part in the remainder of the second Test against the West Indies.
Tickner dislocated his shoulder while attempting to field on the first day of the Test on Wednesday.
According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket, "BlackCaps pace bowler Blair Tickner will be unable to bowl or field and is also unlikely to bat for the rest of the Test in Wellington, following a shoulder dislocation while diving to stop a boundary on day one."
The statement further noted, "Tickner, who was transported to the hospital for treatment last night, will join the team at the venue today as he awaits additional specialist evaluation to determine his return to the game."
Tickner showcased an impressive performance on the opening day of the second Test, achieving a four-wicket haul but sustained his injury during the 67th over while trying to stop a boundary at fine leg. In an effort to intercept a shot from Tevon Imlach, he dove full-length near the boundary and remained on the ground immediately.
Medical staff from the New Zealand team and the venue responded to him at the boundary before he was carried off on a stretcher. He later left the premises in an ambulance.
This injury is particularly concerning as New Zealand has already lost Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, and Nathan Smith for the remainder of the Test series due to their own injuries.
Henry (calf tear) and Smith (side strain) suffered their injuries during the drawn first Test in Christchurch, while Santner (groin) was ruled out prior to the match.
Other pace options Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, and Matt Fisher are also either injured or recovering from injuries.
The wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has also been ruled out of the second Test after sustaining an injury while batting in the first Test in Christchurch last week.