ENG vs NZ: Blair Tickner ruled out of 3rd Test, Zak Foulkes named concussion replacement

New Zealand’s Blair Tickner has been ruled out of the ongoing third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, due to concussion. Tickner was hit by a bouncer from Jofra Archer during the 115^th over of New Zealand’s innings on Day 2. On the second ball of the over, Tickner was hit on his helmet by Archer after he failed to duck a bouncer.

The physio immediately came running in to check on Tickner, but the speedster continued his innings. He remained unbeaten on 4* (6) as New Zealand got skittled for 438 in 114.5 overs in their first innings. Tickner even came on to bowl in the ninth over of England’s first innings, and bowled three overs, giving away 21 runs.

However, he left the field after feeling nauseated and has now been ruled out of the match, with Zak Foulkes approved as his like-for-like replacement by Match Referee Andy Pycroft. 

“TEAM UPDATE: Blair Tickner has been ruled out of the remainder of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge with concussion after being struck on the helmet while batting in the first innings. Zak Foulkes has been named as Tickner's replacement,” informed New Zealand Cricket on their X account.

An update from day two at Trent Bridge.#ENGvNZ | 📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/TcUkyaOSJT

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 26, 2026

New Zealand's troubles mount

Zak Foulkes, who made his Test debut in Zimbabwe last year, recently scalped two wickets in New Zealand's victory over Ireland just ahead of the England tour. Although primarily a pace bowler, Foulkes offers greater depth with the bat than Tickner, having registered three first-class half-centuries. The 24-year-old has played five Tests in his career and has 15 wickets to his name.

Tickner's injury is the latest setback for New Zealand in the series decider. The visitors were already missing Matt Henry (calf), Glenn Phillips (side) and Kyle Jamieson, who was rested as part of his workload management following recurring back issues. To compound their troubles, New Zealand suffered a dramatic collapse in the first innings, losing ten wickets for 121 runs after Tom Latham and Devon Conway had laid a solid foundation with a 317-run opening partnership.