Fast bowler Blair Tickner has been withdrawn from New Zealand’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against UAE. Tickner, 29, was due to join the squad in Dubai on Monday, but will now instead stay at home in Hawke’s Bay to be with his wife and new-born daughter.
Tickner will be replaced in the squad by Jacob Duffy, who last played for New Zealand during the tour of India in January.
Related
-
World Cup a ‘tough goal’ but Williamson happy with ‘little progressions’
-
Boult back in New Zealand ODI squad for England series
-
Jamieson back in New Zealand squad for UAE and England T20Is
“We’re a family environment and after speaking with Blair we fully support him being at home,” New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead said. “The birth of a child is a special time and we’re glad to be able to support Blair in being at home.
“Jacob’s been part of many Blackcaps squads in the past and has always acquitted himself well at international level. He’s got good skills and experience and we look forward to welcoming him into our squad in Dubai.”
New Zealand are travelling to the UAE with a somewhat second-string squad, which is without regulars Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Ish Sodhi. Those players, however, will return to the squad when New Zealand move to England for a four-match T20I series (August 30 to September 5) that immediately follows the UAE tour.
They will also be without Kane Williamson, who is currently on the road to recovery, having undergone surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] in his right knee in April. Trent Boult, who last played an ODI nearly a year ago and had given up his national contract to focus on T20 franchise cricket, is absent as well, though he has been selected in the 15-man roster for the upcoming ODIs in England.
New Zealand will play the first of three matches against UAE on August 17, at the Dubai International Stadium.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo