New Zealand’s fast bowler Blair Tickner has opened up about the newfound perspective he has gained following his wife Sarah’s battle with leukaemia. Since her diagnosis in April 2024, Sarah has undergone a rigorous eight-month treatment and was joyously discharged from the hospital on Christmas Eve, now thankfully in remission.
Tickner, reflecting on his journey, said, “My life, I guess it’s been up and down. It’s amazing to have Sarah and my family [get] through it all. I guess now I’m just trying to enjoy my cricket and I’ve probably been a bit more myself.”
The fast bowler acknowledged that his career has been a mix of pressure and challenges, but the recent trials have helped him reset his priorities. “I try to play with a smile on my face, and it’s a lot more than cricket, obviously. It’s done a lot for me, but I know that at the end of the day, I’m going to go home to my daughter and my wife, and I’m pretty happy and pretty lucky to do that. So yeah, cricket’s a little bit less than that,” he shared.
In the recent ODI series opener against India in Auckland, New Zealand faced a setback as their opponents outperformed them in a rain-affected match. However, Tickner brought cheer to the fans by hitting an unexpected 34 off 23 balls from the No. 11 position. With a sense of humour, he quipped about wanting a promotion in the batting order, “Yeah, there were a few conversations before I went out, because I batted alright against England last time I was here [in Wellington], so I gave him [Duffy] a bit of [stick] for that. I’m happy to move up to 10 – I just have to slowly make my way up to No. 3, I think.”
Reflecting on his memorable performance against England in Wellington, where he was named Player of the Match, Tickner hopes for similar conditions in upcoming games. He stated, “Yeah, we saw last year against England as well – there was a little bit more in the wicket then, especially here [in Wellington]. As a bowler, I’m hoping for that. I don’t want to be at a game where 400 chase[s] 400, so I’m looking forward to a bit of extra bounce, hopefully a bit of nip off the wicket.”
Discussing the unique challenges of the New Zealand venues, Tickner noted the differences between Auckland’s short boundaries and the longer ones at Hnry Stadium in Wellington. “Dimensions in New Zealand are different every ground we go. Obviously, this is a lot shorter square, and then straight’s quite long, so it’s completely different to Eden Park, so we probably take that [into account], especially in our death bowling.”
Tickner and the team aim to adapt their strategies to these varied playing conditions, keeping in mind their recent experiences and successes.
