HAPPY DAYS: THE BLAIR TICKNER STORY CONTINUES
Central Stags BLAIR TICKNER and WILL YOUNG are both back in the ODI squad that will see the BLACKCAPS hit Napier to play the West Indies in a daynighter at McLean Park this month.
Tickner has been retained after his brilliant comeback after having been called in to replace injured Matt Henry for the last two ODI victories against England.
The BLACKCAPS also now welcome back Henry for the upcoming three-match Chemist Warehouse ODI series against West Indies, starting at Hagley Oval on November 16.
Henry missed the final two ODIs against England with a calf strain and is currently undergoing a preplanned conditioning and rehabilitation block to prepare for the ODI series, and the following three-Test series.
Tickner retains his place off the back of successive ANZ Player of the Match performances in the second and third ODIs against England in Hamilton and Wellington.
He did so after he was called up to the BLACKCAPS squad for the first time since 2023, claiming figures of 4/34 and 4/64 and crucially helped steer the team home with the bat in the third ODI in Wellington, as the team sealed just its second ever ODI series win over England.
Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson and Nathan Smith complete a six-strong pace bowling group, with captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra providing the spin options.
Want the best views and everything at your fingertips when the BLACKCAPS play McLean Park? Our CD Cricket hospitality lounge tickets are selling fast and only available for a limited time; get yours today here before it's too late. Last days!
Blair Tickner, the comeback kid | PHOTOSPORT
BLACKCAPS coach Rob Walter said Tickner thoroughly deserved another call-up off after impressing in Hamilton and Wellington.
“We couldn’t have asked for more from Ticks against England,” he said.
“He brought plenty of energy and his pace and bounce proved to be a big test for some of the best batters in the world.
“It was pleasing to see him come in at short notice and perform at that level and that’s a testament to the hard work he’s been putting in away from the group.
“It’s awesome to be able to keep rewarding guys who work hard and perform when they get the opportunity, and we know he’ll be a big asset for us in another important series.
Walter said the West Indies would be a good challenge for the ODI side.
“The West Indies are always dangerous and have a host of players who can change a game in any format. It’s another important series for us as we continue to grow and improve in the format, so we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
The team will be looking to extend their run of 10 straight home ODI series wins, following last month’s 3-0 clean sweep of England.
Chemist Warehouse ODI Series
versus West Indies
Mitchell Santner (captain, Northern Districts)
Michael Bracewell (Wellington Firebirds)
Mark Chapman (Auckland Aces)
Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds)
Jacob Duffy (Otago Volts)
Zak Foulkes (Canterbury)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Kyle Jamieson (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (wicketkeeper, Canterbury)
Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury)
Rachin Ravindra (Wellington Firebirds)
Nathan Smith (Wellington Firebirds)
Blair Tickner (Central Stags)
Will Young (Central Stags)
SCHEDULE
1st ODI – Sunday 16 November, 2pm • Hagley Oval, Christchurch (day/night)
2nd ODI – Wednesday 19 November, 2pm • McLean Park, Napier (day/night)
3rd ODI – Saturday 22 November, 2pm • Seddon Park, Hamilton (day/night)
Article added: Friday 7 November 2025
