Tim Southee calls on Tickner and Company to galvanise New Zealand during a period of transition.

On the eve of the first home summer Test, it is typically not the best time to discuss cricket’s existential issues. But here was Tim Southee at the Bay Oval, only two matches into his captaincy, speaking about the players not present – one in particular – and what it could mean for the game beyond Thursday’s first Test against England.

After Cyclone Gabrielle subsided in the Bay of Plenty, the entire squad had finally regrouped on Wednesday. Tom Blundell, Blair Tickner, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls, who were stranded due to a disruption in their travel plans, made it to safety. Tuesday evening, replacements Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn arrived to replace the injured Kyle Jamieson and the pregnant Matt Henry. Both uncapped bowlers will compete for the final slot in the XI, with Kuggeleijn also contributing with the bat. Southee stated that Tickner, age 29, will make his debut.

Tim Southee commented on Tickner’s international experience, which consists of 9 ODIs and 17 T20Is, saying, “He’s been in the squad for a while and has played in the one-day and T20 formats.” It is wonderful for him and his family as they anticipate a very memorable event.
Tickner will be a relative unknown, having faced a second-string England team twice during a white ball series at the close of 2019, taking 2 for 25 and 0 for 50 in the third and fourth Twenty20 Internationals, respectively. Ben Stokes recalls him from a brief period playing local cricket in New Zealand while suspended by the ECB at the end of 2017 for his involvement in a street brawl in Bristol.

“When I played here for Canterbury a few years back, I faced Tickner, who is a large guy. The player sprints in and slams the ground with force. I believe he enjoys participating in competitions.

“The times are changing and more events are appearing around the world, but for me, Test cricket remains the peak. As far as I’m concerned, my whole concentration is on the upcoming two Test matches and doing well for New Zealand.”
Steve Southee
It did not take long for the topic of Trent Boult to enter the discourse. Tuesday, head coach Gary Stead disclosed that despite the fast bowler’s return from the ILT20, no contact had been made with him. Having withdrawn from his national contract in August, it is natural that New Zealand Cricket has prioritised domestic players, at least until Boult demonstrates a willingness to return to the longest format.

Stead was adamant that this is not the last of Boult’s career. However, the fact that the hosts enter this two-match series with an inexperienced seam attack while one of their best performers of the modern period is 20 minutes away is cause for concern. Even Stokes, who normally avoids discussing the opposition, acknowledged England’s advantage: “Any team without Trent Boult playing against you gives you a little bit – we know he’s a quality performance.”

Tim Southee stated, “I believe the majority of people continue to view Test cricket as the apex.” “Credit to Ben and Brendon (McCullum) for turning things around and making it exciting for people to come and be a part of.

“As evidenced by the ticket sales for this series, there is still considerable interest in Test cricket, which is exciting. In my opinion, it remains the apex of the game. The majority of players continue to view it as the apex, despite the emergence of franchise cricket and short-format cricket.

The 34-year-old is no stranger to the world of franchises, especially in the IPL, where he has played for five clubs, including his current squad, Kolkata Knight Riders. Similarly to Boult, he could fill the remainder of his time while maintaining a foot in international waters. However, he is not interested in this just now.
“It is something that the majority of people are considering and weighing, as there is so much cricket. The times are changing and more competitions are cropping up across the globe, but for me, Test cricket remains the summit. As far as I’m concerned, my whole concentration is on the upcoming two Test matches and doing well for New Zealand.”

At least by Thursday, there will be genuine cricket to discuss. Even the English have become rather stir-crazy. “I feel like we’ve been here forever,” Stokes remarked, eager to depart after three weeks in New Zealand. As for the hosts, a hard build-up in multiple ways is something they are willing to accept.

Southee stated, “[It has been] a little bit disjointed.” “But as we have for a long time, in genuine New Zealand fashion.”