“He’s been around the group for a while now and had a taste in the one-day and T20 formats,” Southee said of Tickner’s international experience so far, which amounts to 9 ODIs and 17 T20Is. “It’s exciting for him and his family for what should be a very special occasion.”
“I played out here for Canterbury a few years ago and played against Tickner, he’s a big fella. Runs in and hits the deck hard. Yeah, I think he loves to get into the contest.”
“The times are changing and more tournaments popping up around the world, but for me at the moment I see Test cricket as the pinnacle. I’m loving it and as far as I’m concerned my focus is solely on the two Test matches coming up and trying to perform for New Zealand.”
Tim Southee
Stead was unequivocal in his belief that this is not the end of Boult’s career. But the fact that hosts go into this two-match series with an inexperienced seam attack when one of their best players of the modern era is 20 minutes up the road speaks of a problem. Even Stokes, who usually keeps out of opposition matters, saw the advantage England carry as a result: “Any team without Trent Boult playing against you gives you a little bit – we know he’s a quality performer.”
“I think if you ask the majority of people they still see Test cricket as the pinnacle,” Southee said. “Credit to Ben and Brendon (McCullum) and the way they’ve turned things around and made it exciting for people to come and watch and be part of it.
“Just look at the ticket sales for this series, there’s still plenty of interest in Test cricket and that’s exciting. For me it’s still the pinnacle of the game. Times are changing with franchise cricket and short-format cricket, but the majority of players still see it as the pinnacle.”
The 34-year-old is no stranger to the franchise world, particularly in the IPL where he has enjoyed stints at five teams and is currently with Kolkata Knight Riders. Perceivably he, too, could follow Boult’s move and fill up the rest of his time while keeping a toe in international waters. That, however, does not appeal to him just yet.
“It’s something most people are looking at and weighing up, there’s so much cricket. The times are changing and more tournaments popping up around the world, but for me at the moment I see Test cricket as the pinnacle. I’m loving it and as far as I’m concerned my focus is solely on the two Test matches coming up and trying to perform for New Zealand.”
By Thursday at least, there will be actual cricket to talk about. Even England have found themselves a bit stir-crazy. “I feel we’ve been here for ages,” Stokes said, raring to go having been in New Zealand for the last three weeks. As for the hosts, a challenging build-up in more ways than one is something they’re happy to roll with.
“[It’s been] A little bit disjointed,” Southee said. “But like we have done for a long time, in true Kiwi style.”