Tickner thrilled with New Zealand central contract after standout return to bowling

New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner secured a central contract after impressive returns since his 2025 comeback.

Barista-turned-bowler finds passion Blair Tickner balances life as a co-owner of the 13th Stag Café in Hastings with his cricket career, though his true passion lies on the field bowling fast for New Zealand. After returning to the national side in late 2025 following nearly two and a half years away, Tickner has delivered strong performances, making his absence feel like a distant memory. Since his comeback, he has featured in two Tests and five ODIs, claiming 23 wickets in total. This includes three four-wicket hauls in ODIs and a six-for, marking his first five-wicket haul in international cricket during the one-off Test against Ireland before New Zealand traveled to England. ## Tickner reflects on improved bowling form Tickner expressed his joy at being back in the team, emphasizing his desire to keep enjoying cricket while delivering for his country. Speaking to reporters in London ahead of the second Test against England at The Oval, he shared his belief in his improved bowling, particularly in domestic cricket over recent years. 'I honestly reckon I've never really bowled better, especially domestically in the last few years,' Tickner said. 'I felt like if I did get my opportunities I was going to be good enough to play and put on performances. But obviously, until you do the first one or the second one, I think you don't believe in it. And then now I just feel like any opportunity I get I can take it.' ## From county cricket to international success Tickner highlighted how his time with Derbyshire in county cricket contributed to his growth as a bowler. In his first stint with New Zealand, he managed 12 wickets in three Tests, often filling in behind established bowlers like Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Matt Henry, with Trent Boult having recently retired from Test cricket. Across 13 ODIs in that period, he took 16 wickets. His comeback has seen a noticeable improvement, coinciding with his county experience. 'I guess I've worked on moving the ball more and bowling faster at times when it was needed,' he explained. 'I think I just did have a few years over in county cricket as well. So I played about two years straight of cricket and sort of learnt a lot about my action, where I needed to be.' ## Mastering the Dukes ball for success Tickner also credited his experience bowling with the Dukes ball, which he had done before, including in Ireland, where he gained valuable insights. 'I think it's just those little experiences that work out,' he said. 'And yeah, obviously now it feels like I am probably in the best form I have been in my life. So I just want to keep rolling with that.' His adaptability to different conditions and balls has become a key part of his resurgence. ## New-look bowling attack takes shape Tickner is now part of a revamped New Zealand fast-bowling unit that looks starkly different from when he first debuted. Matt Henry leads the attack, supported by Will O'Rourke, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, and Nathan Smith. Tickner described the variety within the group as exciting, noting how their different styles—bounce, pace, and swing—create multiple challenges for opponents. 'I think it's pretty cool because there's a lot of different types of bowlers in our bowling line-up,' he said. 'The way that we get bounce or pace or swing, there's so many different ways that we skin it.' ## Friendly rivalry fuels team progress The competition among the bowlers is friendly yet intense, driving the team forward as they aim for Test victories. Tickner praised the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the group, calling it a positive influence. 'It's been awesome to work with each other, but also knowing that it's a bit of competition as well, friendly competition on how we go,' he noted. 'And I think it's a good way to push the team forward. I think I've never seen such a talented bowling line-up. It's awesome to be a little cog in the wheel to hopefully push for Test wins going forward.' ## Central contract brings stability and focus Tickner acknowledged the significance of his central contract in balancing his cricket career and personal life. The contract allows him to concentrate solely on upcoming Black Caps fixtures without the pressure of playing year-round. 'You sometimes don't have the balance because you need to be playing, because you're not contracted for 12 months of the year,' he explained. 'By having a central contract, it means that you can concentrate on the Black Caps games coming up and making sure your best fit or your body, everything is ready to go when the series do come around and the team needs you.' ## Future ambitions and team goals With a packed international calendar ahead, Tickner emphasized the importance of the entire bowling unit stepping up over the coming months. He expressed his excitement about contributing to the team's success and maintaining his form. 'We've got a massive calendar coming up,' he said. 'It's not going to be just a group of four bowlers. It's going to be all of us that are going to push for the next few months.' His focus remains on performing at his best whenever called upon by the team.