Bay Black Cap Tickner returns for Stags

by Margot Butcher
Monday, Dec 07, 2020 7:30 PM

Back from a hamstring niggle followed by New Zealand A duties, attacking paceman Blair Tickner is a timely addition to the Central Stags' cricket squad for the fourth round of their Ford Trophy campaign at Palmerston North’s Fitzherbert Park tomorrow.

Tickner’s addition takes the squad from 12 to 13 with the Stags keen to put some Firebirds on the barbecue after a tight loss to the Wellingtonians on yesterday.

The luckless hosts have yet to notch a win after three rounds, but could take encouragement from the latest match after a strong start from youngster Bayley Wiggins (29), and veteran duo George Worker (52 and 2-32) and Ben Smith (79) with the bat, and tight spin at the death from Worker and parsimonious Jayden Lennox who turned in a career-best 2-28 in just his seventh List A match.

Lennox went for just 2.80 runs per over off his 10 overs despite bowling at the death against a set batsmen, matchwinner Jakob Bhula (97 not out) and big-hitting allrounder Jamie Gibson.

The match was swing bowler Seth Rance’s 50th List A appearance for the Stags while fellow white-ball BLACKCAP Tickner comes in for his 26th Ford Trophy appearance with 32 wickets and a best of 4-43.

The rematch is set to begin at 11am tomorrow and is free admission.

Round Four v Wellington Firebirds

Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 11am, Tuesday 8 December 2020

Admission: Free

Central Stags Squad

Tom Bruce (c)

Josh Clarkson

Liam Dudding

Joseph Field

Jayden Lennox

Christian Leopard

Seth Rance

Brad Schmulian