The New Zealand pacer Blair Tickner is likely to be sidelined from the ongoing second test against the West Indies following a shoulder injury.

Tickner was instrumental during the second test of the West Indies tour of New Zealand 2025, where the hosts bowled out the visitors for 205 runs on day 01.

Blair Tickner had led the New Zealand attack perfectly and was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 32 before sustaining a shoulder injury.

The incident happened in the 67th over of the innings, while chasing a shot from Tevon Imlach near the boundary, Tickner landed awkwardly while driving to stop the ball.

He stayed on the ground before being attended by teammates and medical staff. He was then taken off the field on a stretcher, sitting and received a warm welcome from fans before being transported to the hospital for further checks.

Tickner was taken to the hospital for treatment soon after his injury, which he suffered in the second session of the first day. Has joined the squad at the ground but is awaiting further specialist assessment to determine his return to play,’ said New Zealand Cricket in a statement on Thursday.

Blair Tickner has been drafted in after Matt Henry and Nathan Smith were ruled out of the first test. He dismissed Brandon King for 33 runs and Kavem Hodge for a duck. He also sent off Shai Hope for 48 runs and knocked out Roston Chase to strengthen their side’s position on opening day.

New Zealand are at a huge setback for an already inexperienced pace attack, which features Jacb Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Michael Rae, with the part-time spin trio of Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson and occasional medium-pacer Daryl Mitchell around to chip in as needed.

New Zealand has a long list of injured fast bowlers this series, which includes Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke and Matt Fisher.