New Zealand’s team for the T20I series against UAE this month has been changed at the last minute. Experienced pacer Blair Tickner will not play in the series because of family obligations.
Tickner was supposed to be part of the 15-person team for the three-game T20I series that starts on Thursday in Dubai. However, the right-hander will stay in New Zealand with his wife and new daughter, who was born last week.
Jacob Duffy, who is also quick, will take his place on the team.
Gary Stead, the coach of New Zealand, said that it was easy for Tickner to choose to stay home with his family.
Stead said, “We’re a family-friendly place, and after talking to Blair, we fully support him being at home with Sarah and little Florence.”
“Having a baby is a special time, and we’re glad we can help Blair stay at home.”
Stead thinks Duffy is more than capable of filling the hole because the 29-year-old has shown he can do well in the shortest version of the game both internationally and in local circles.
“Jacob has been on many Blackcaps teams before and has always done well at the international level,” Stead said.
“He has good skills and a lot of experience, and we’re excited to have him join our team in Dubai.”
Tim Southee (captain), Adi Ashok, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, and Will Young are in the New Zealand team.
First T20I is on August 17 in Dubai. Second T20I is on August 19 in Dubai.
Third T20I: Dubai, August 20