WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand emerged with a dominant position after the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies at Basin Reserve, though their commanding performance was overshadowed by a concerning injury to pace bowler Blair Tickner.
The Black Caps concluded play at 24-0 without loss, capitalizing on their earlier success of dismissing the tourists for a modest total of 205 runs in 75 overs. Tickner was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a formidable spell of 4-32 from 16 overs before his day ended abruptly.
The incident occurred during a fielding effort when Tickner suffered a heavy fall onto his left shoulder, requiring immediate medical attention. Team medical staff from both sides rushed to assist the bowler, who was eventually stretchered off the field and transported to a local hospital for further assessment. New Zealand Cricket later confirmed a left shoulder injury.
Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay, making his Test debut in place of the injured Tom Blundell, described the scene as ‘pretty awful to witness’ and expressed the team’s collective concern for their teammate.
Captain Tom Latham (7 not out) and Devon Conway (16 not out) navigated a challenging nine-over period with the new ball successfully to stumps. Hay indicated the home side’s intention to build a substantial first-innings lead on what he described as a pitch offering something for bowlers.
The West Indies, after being sent in to bat following Latham’s successful toss, initially flourished with an opening partnership of 66 runs within the first hour. However, Tickner’s breakthrough triggered a collapse that saw the visitors lose six wickets for just 30 runs in the final session despite promising contributions from John Campbell (44) and Shai Hope (48).
Debutant seamer Michael Rae provided valuable support with 3-67 in his maiden Test appearance, while Hope acknowledged his team’s failure to capitalize on their strong start, emphasizing the need for a better batting performance to compete in the match.
Both teams fielded altered lineups due to injury concerns, with the series poised at 0-0 after the drawn first Test in Christchurch. The third and final Test is scheduled to begin December 18 in Mount Maunganui.