Who is NZ pacer Blair Tickner? Here are his stats
New Zealand pacer Blair Tickner made his Test debut in the ongoing series opener against England at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The right-arm pacer has already played 26 white-ball games and will now be determined to make a mark in the Test arena. Meanwhile, Tickner took the important wicket of opener Ben Duckett (84) in England's first innings. Here are his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Tickner was handed his debut cap as the likes of Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson are unavailable due to injuries. Trent Boult, who gave up on the NZC central contract last year, wasn't considered for selection. Hence NZ's pace attack in the ongoing Day-Night affair features Scott Kuggeleijn, skipper Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Tickner. The quartet will look to make an impression.
How did he fare in his maiden assignment?
Tickner claimed figures worth 1/72 (13 overs) in his maiden innings in Tests. He was challenged by the 'Bazball' approach of the England batters. While the likes of Duckett and Harry Brook took him to cleaners, Tickner managed to dismiss the former. It was a full delivery outside the off-stump which Duckett tried to drive but found Michael Bracewell at short extra cover.
Who is Blair Tickner?
Tickner was born on October 13, 1993 in Napier. He represents Central Districts in domestic cricket and has made a significant mark in red-ball cricket. The tall and lanky pacer is known to hit the deck hard and extract extra bounce from the surfaces. Hence, his induction into the XI adds a new dimension to New Zealand's pace attack.
His numbers in red-ball cricket
Before marking his Test debut, Tickner owned 178 wickets in 61 First-Class games at 35.17 since his maiden appearance in the format in March 2015. The tally includes five 5-wicket hauls with his best innings figures reading 5/23. The 29-year-old claimed seven wickets in three games in last season's Plunket Shield. 4/39 read his best figures in the First-Class competition.
How he has fared at the international level?
Tickner made his international debut in a T20I against India in February 2019. His maiden ODI appearance came against the Netherlands in March last year. The 29-year-old has so far scalped 13 wickets in nine ODIs at 38.31, conceding runs at a rate of 6.64. He also owns 17 wickets in 15 T20Is with his economy rate being 9.52.
How did Day 1 pan out?
England declared their first innings at 325/9. England were off to a poor start with opener Zak Crawley (4) perishing cheaply. Nevertheless, Ben Duckett (84), Ollie Pope (42), and Harry Brook (89) helped the visitors post a strong total. Neil Wagner took four wickets for NZ. In reply, the Kiwis were tottering at 37/3 at stumps on the opening day.
