Tickner's outlook on life changed after his wife beat cancer; the Kiwi pacer now wants to play with a smile
New Zealand pacer Blair Tickner, who played under extra pressure at the start of his cricket career, has begun to see life in a new way after a major storm in his family. He says his wife's victory over cancer and his experiences off the field have brought a positive change in him.
In April 2024, Tickner's wife Sarah was diagnosed with leukaemia, or blood cancer. After eight straight months of difficult treatment and struggle, she returned home from hospital on the eve of Christmas 2024.
That personal crisis changed Tickner's thinking. He said an invisible pressure always worked in him at the start of his career. But his wife's illness and the long road to her recovery taught him that cricket is only an important part of life, not the whole of life.
Tickner said he now wants to enjoy his natural game on the field and go out to play with a smile on his face. Being able to return safely to his wife and daughter at the end of the day is the greatest peace and achievement for him.
The first ODI of the recent series against India was not a very happy one for New Zealand, but one Tickner innings brought smiles to the team's fans. In that rain-hit match in Auckland, batting at number 11, he scored 34 runs off 23 balls. He shared a 41-run last-wicket partnership with number 10 batter Jacob Duffy.
Tickner said jokingly that his target is to gradually move up the batting order from number 10, even up to the number 3 position.
The second ODI of the series against India is to be held in Wellington. Earlier, against England at the same venue, Tickner bowled superbly on a pitch helpful to pacers and was named player of the match.
Tickner said the shape of the Wellington ground is completely different from the small boundaries of Eden Park in Auckland, so the plan there will also be different. In Wellington the square boundaries are small but the straight boundaries are quite long, so he will have to take the field with a new strategy, especially for death-overs bowling.
