New York: The New Zealand–West Indies Test series, which began on a routine note, has suddenly turned into a gripping storyline filled with history, drama, and resilience. The first Test delivered a remarkable plot twist when Justin Greaves’ unbeaten 202 and Kemar Roach’s gritty 58 powered West Indies to a legendary draw despite being set an almost impossible target of 531.
At 72/4, the visitors looked destined for defeat, but Greaves staged one of the greatest rescue acts in modern Test cricket. He batted close to 10 hours, forging a 196-run partnership with Shai Hope and later a crucial 180-run stand with Roach for the seventh wicket.
New Zealand’s injury-hit bowling attack, combined with a flat pitch in Wellington, helped the West Indies grind out time. Roach survived several close chances and remained unbeaten as West Indies closed on 457/6, registering the second-highest fourth-innings total in Test history.
The heroic draw has added immense weight to the ongoing series, setting the tone for a fiercely contested second Test.
Blair Tickner Stretchered Off as New Zealand’s Injury Crisis Deepens
The drama continued in the second Test on Wednesday, December 10, in Wellington, where New Zealand suffered another massive blow. Fast bowler Blair Tickner was stretchered off the field after sustaining a shoulder injury while attempting to save a boundary.
Tickner had already made a strong impact with the ball, removing Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, and captain Roston Chase to give New Zealand a commanding start in the first innings. But in the 63rd over, a diving effort near the fine-leg rope saw him land awkwardly, immediately signaling trouble.
Medical staff rushed in, and after on-field treatment, Tickner was taken off the ground to warm applause from the Basin Reserve crowd. He was transported to a hospital in an ambulance, and his participation in the remainder of the Test remains doubtful.
New Zealand’s Growing Injury List Raises Concerns
The Kiwis are experiencing one of their worst injury spells in recent years. Several frontline players were already unavailable even before Tickner’s injury.
New Zealand’s full injury list:
- Matt Henry (calf)
- Lockie Ferguson (hamstring)
- Will O’Rourke (back)
- Adam Milne (ankle)
- Ben Sears (hamstring)
- Nathan Smith (side strain)
- Mitchell Santner (groin)
- Finn Allen (foot)
- Tom Blundell (hamstring)
- Blair Tickner (shoulder)
With multiple pacers sidelined and the second Test underway, New Zealand face a severe shortage of bowling options — a challenge that could shape the remainder of the series.
