NZ vs ENG 2023: Blair Tickner to debut in first Test, confirms Tim Southee

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee has confirmed that pacer Blair Tickner will make his Test debut against England at Mount Maunganui on February 16. The Kiwis are set to host England in a two-match Test series, however, this does not account for the 2021-23 cycle of the World Test Championship.

The news of Tickner finding a spot in the side comes after Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out of the series owing to back stress fracture. Adding to this, Matt Henry will also not feature in the pink-ball contest as he is on leave for the birth of his first child. 

"He's been around the group for a while now and had a taste in the one-day and T20 formats. It's exciting for him and his family for what should be a very special occasion,” Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

The 29-year-old has featured in 17 T20Is and nine ODIs for the Kiwis, with 16 and 13 wickets to his name respectively. Furthermore, the Central Stags pacer has scalped 178 wickets at a modest average of 35.17 in 61 First-Class outings.

Two uncapped players called into New Zealand squad

The Blackcaps management has decided to add the services of two uncapped players in Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggeleijn into the squad. Southee and Co. have further reinforced the pace-bowling options with a range of bowlers from Neil Wagner and Tickner to the two uncapped players alongside the skipper.

Meanwhile, the English side, led by star all-rounder Ben Stokes, confirmed their playing XI as veteran pacer Stuart Broad made his return, joining James Anderson and Ollie Robinson. It is worth noting that the side has not found success in the Antipodean nation since 2008. Stokes and Co. will be on the lookout to turn the tables and finally break their unsuccesful streak in the away series.