Central Stags pace-bowler Blair Tickner has been added to the BLACKCAPS squad for the remainder of the Chemist Warehouse ODI series against England.
The 32-year-old will join the side in Hamilton today as a replacement for Kyle Jamieson who was ruled out of the series with a stiff left side.
Ticker has 16 ODI wickets from 13 games and last played for the side in 2023.
BLACKCAPS coach Rob Walter said Tickner was a reliable replacement for Jamieson.
“Blair’s an experienced campaigner and no stranger to international cricket,” he said.
“He bowls a heavy ball from a decent height with plenty of energy and aggression. In that respect he can fill a similar role to what Kyle would normally perform.”
Walter said he was impressed with the first up four-wicket win at Bay Oval.
“It was a good start to the series, and I thought the bowlers set the tone superbly,” he said.
“For Zak Foulkes to claim 4-41 in his first bowl in ODI cricket, including the big wickets of Ben Duckett, Joe Root and Jacob Bethell, showed the level of talent and composure he possesses.
“It was encouraging to see the middle order then step up with the bat on a tricky wicket and I thought Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell showed their experience to help guide us to the target.
“Seddon Park will bring new conditions and challenges, and we know England will be highly motivated to bounce back and level the series.”
The BLACKCAPS relocate to Hamilton today ahead of Wednesday’s second game of the ODI series.
