CENTRAL STAGS BLAIR TICKNER and DANE CLEAVER are on their way to join the BLACKCAPS Test squad in England after injuries to paceman Kyle Jamieson and reserve keeper-batsman Cam Fletcher.

Both uncapped at Test level, Tickner rejoins the squad in England after having been part of the first stages of the tour and previously part of the Test squad, while Cleaver receives his maiden Test squad call-up after having previously been selected for the T20i against The Netherlands in Napier earlier last year - a match that was abandoned without a ball bowled.

Jamieson will return home to New Zealand after an MRI scan revealed a stress-reaction to his lower left back.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury while bowling on day three of the second Test against England and coach Gary Stead expected he would require four to six weeks of rest before beginning a rehabilitation program targeting a potential return to play in September or October.

Blair Tickner | MBUTCHER

Tickner will return to the UK as Jamieson’s replacement and will arrive prior to the third Test at Leeds next week.

Cleaver is a replacement for Fletcher who has also been ruled out of the tour with a grade-two right-hamstring strain.

Fletcher sustained the injury while fielding on day four of the second Test and will require six to eight weeks to recover.

Exciting news for Dane Cleaver | PHOTOSPORT

Stead expressed his sympathy for Jamieson and Fletcher and thanked them for their efforts.

“It’s always sad to see players forced to leave a tour early with injury,” Stead said.

“Kyle had played such a big role in the first Test at Lord’s and I know how disappointed he was to have had his involvement in the second Test curtailed.

“He’s obviously a huge asset for us and we’ll be making sure we are patient with his recovery to ensure he returns fully fit with plenty more important cricket still to come later this year.

DANE CLEAVER dances down the pitch | MBUTCHER

“It’s exciting for Blair and Dane to be joining us for the final Test at Headingley next week.

“Blair was with us for the first part of the tour and his skills will be a valuable asset to the squad.

“It will be Dane’s first experience with the Test side and I know he can’t wait to get here and soak it up.”

The BLACKCAPS will have a couple of days off before regrouping in Leeds ahead of the third Test at Headingley starting on Thursday June 23.

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Article added: Wednesday 15 June 2022