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Blair Tickner, a 32-year-old New Zealand fast bowler for Central Districts, made a remarkable international comeback on October 29, 2025, in the second ODI against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Called up as a late injury replacement for Kyle Jamieson, he delivered career-best figures of 4/34 from 8 overs, dismantling England’s batting lineup and propelling New Zealand to a five-wicket victory while securing an unassailable 2-0 series lead
On the Match and Series: Tickner’s spell triggered England’s second successive collapse, bundling them out for 175 in 35.4 overs. Key wickets included top-order batsmen, setting up an easy chase.
New Zealand reached 176/5 in 34 overs, led by Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 56 and Rachin Ravindra’s 54. Tickner earned Player of the Match, with his economy of 4.25 runs per over highlighting his control on a pitch favoring seamers.
Team Boost: As a surprise inclusion, his high-energy bowling and positivity energized the Black Caps, praised by Mitchell as “reliable” and full of “good character.”
Broader Cricket Narrative: His return from domestic obscurity (leading wicket-taker in Super Smash and Ford Trophy) underscored New Zealand’s depth and rewarded consistent performers.
For New Zealand: Series victory sealed early, boosting morale ahead of the third ODI. It highlighted resilience in pace attack amid injuries.
For England: Humiliating back-to-back collapses (similar to the first ODI), with captain Harry Brook lamenting failure to “entertain.” Pressure mounts on their white-ball rebuild
These trials led Tickner to “shelve the turmoil”, prioritizing family. He quipped post-match: “I thought I was just going to come in and run some drinks.
Tickner’s story is a profound testament to resilience and perspective. After over two years away—his last cap in April 2023—he returned “with a smile,” declaring: “Things are bigger than cricket… I’m just here to enjoy it.” His pressure-free mindset yielded peak performance, proving adversity forged a better bowler and person. With “a lot of cricket left” and family thriving (daughter seeing him in Black Caps for the first time), Tickner eyes a sustained international role. This feel-good triumph reminds cricket: joy trumps expectation, turning personal pain into national gain.
