Tickner returns to New Zealand squad after cyclone reduction efforts

New Zealand paceman Blair Tickner stated he struggled to reconcile the joys of his Test debut with the struggling in his house city from a devastating cyclone, however stated it made him wish to present some small consolation to these affected, together with his father.

Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand’s North Island on February 12, 4 days earlier than the primary Test between New Zealand and England. Tickner’s house city Hastings within the Hawke’s Bay area was one of many worst-hit areas. His father’s house was destroyed.

Tickner was given permission to move house to assist with reduction efforts after England wrapped up victory on Sunday and was emotional when he reunited with group mates in Wellington forward of the second take a look at starting on Friday.

“You dream about your test debut forever and expect your family to be there,” Tickner advised reporters on Wednesday.

“My dad… just wanted me to represent our family well and represent the Hawke’s Bay. I just wanted to be a bright light for them at home.”

Tickner, 29, took 4-127 in opposition to England as New Zealand fell to a 267-run defeat at Mount Maunganui, which was not as badly affected by the cyclone.

His father had inspired his son to take the sector in opposition to England and was at Bay Oval to see him dismiss Ben Duckett for his first take a look at wicket.

“My father’s house has been fully destroyed. It was good to get back, help them out,” he stated, combating again tears. “I grew up there as a kid, it’s just crazy to see.

“Cricket doesn’t feel hard when you see stock on the side of the road dead, people crying, their whole lives being flipped upside down.”

New Zealand’s first one-day worldwide in opposition to Sri Lanka on March 25 can be a fundraising effort for the New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Fund.

All ticket proceeds and crowd contributions can be donated, governing physique NZC stated. Their sponsors ANZ Bank have pledged 1 million New Zealand {dollars} ($622,600) to the fund.

“Cricket to me is obviously my life as well, but it’s nothing compared to what people are going through at the moment,” Tickner stated.