CENTRAL DISTRICTS CRICKET is thrilled to congratulate BLAIR TICKNER on his maiden Test squad call-up, together with batsman WILL YOUNG who continues to impress at BLACKCAPS level.

Tickner and Canterbury's Cam Fletcher are the two new faces in a BLACKCAPS squad named for the First Test against South Africa in Christchurch, with Kane Williamson still out with an injured elbow and Trent Boult also unavailable as he becomes a father for the third time.

Central Stags spinner AJAZ PATEL is also still sidelined with an injured calf, but will be considered for the second Test, said the BLACKCAPS selectors.

The larger than normal 15-strong squad for the first Test was named to allow the selectors to better cover their options while mitigating the health risk associated with bringing players into the team environment at short notice (with the country currently in the Red setting under the Protection Framework), should there be any injuries.

The situation therfore presents opportunities for Canterbury wicketkeeper-batsman Fletcher, the back-up gloveman to incumbent Tom Blundell, and Tickner who will provide cover for the pace bowlers.

TICKS PUTTING HIS HAND UP | PHOTOSPORT

Tickner has already appeared for the BLACKCAPS in eight T20 internationals since debuting in 2019, while it’s Fletcher’s first call-up to the national side at any level. Tickner has been a consistent performer for the Stags and NZA in all formats and brings with him 162 first-class wickets and four five-wicket bags.

Colin de Grandhomme and Otago legend Hamish Rutherford have also been recalled as part of the extended squad for the first ANZ Test against South Africa on February 17 at Hagley Oval, Rutherford returning seven years on from his last appearance for the BLACKCAPS.

Coach Gary Stead said it was another challenging squad to select, the first in a long time without either Williamson or the recently retired ROSS TAYLOR.

WILL YOUNG | PHOTOSPORT

“Injuries and COVID-19 have forced us to be flexible, and I’m really excited with the squad picked. I’d like to congratulate Cam and Blair on making the squad, and also acknowledge Hamish and Colin for fighting their way back into the Test set-up.

“Cam has been excellent across the three formats for Canterbury over the past couple of seasons, producing consistent and often match-winning performances for his team.

“This will be a great opportunity for him to come into the BLACKCAPS environment and soak up the experience as much as he can.”

Faced with the option of selecting another pace bowler or a specialist spinner in the extended squad, Stead said he had gone with the former for the first Test, based on the conditions expected at Hagley.

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“Blair’s been a consistent performer in the Plunket Shield over the past few seasons and we felt his pace, bounce and aggression covered our bases, should we lose a pace bowler to injury."

Patel is a chance to be added for the second Test should conditions suit and provided he overcomes his left calf injury.

“It’s important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second," said Stead.

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“We’re conscious the second Test pitch may differ from the first, so we’re keen to have the option of adding Ajaz if required.

"He’s targeting a return for the Stags in The Ford Trophy on February 20 to prove his fitness and availability.”

NZC is currently working through the COVID-19 framework for hosting some fans at the matches at Hagley Oval with details to be shared in advance of the first Test on February 17.

The second match of the ANZ Test series is scheduled to begin on February 25, also at Hagley Oval.

New Zealand has never beaten South Africa in a Test series.

TEST SQUAD

First Test v South Africa

Hagley Oval • Christchurch

17-21 February 2022

Tom Latham - captain - Canterbury

Tom Blundell - wicketkeeper - Wellington Firebirds

Devon Conway - Wellington Firebirds

Colin de Grandhomme - Northern Districts

Cam Fletcher - wicketkeeper - Canterbury - uncapped

Matt Henry - Canterbury

Kyle Jamieson - Auckland Aces

Daryl Mitchell - Canterbury

Henry Nicholls - Canterbury

Rachin Ravindra - Wellington Firebirds

Hamish Rutherford - Otago Volts

Tim Southee - Northern Districts

BLAIR TICKNER - Central Stags - uncapped

Neil Wagner - Northern Districts

WILL YOUNG - Central Stags

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Article added: Tuesday 08 February 2022