‘Freak’ injury forces Tickner out of semifinal

Talk about riding the highs and lows of cricket.

Blair Tickner could barely wipe the smile off his face throughout his impressive Twenty20 international debut in the Black Caps’ series clincher over India in Hamilton last Sunday.

Three days later he was writhing in pain on Nelson Park, Napier, with an ankle injury after his spikes got caught in the turf while playing a warmup game of football at Central Stags training.

Initial talk that Tickner had broken his ankle wasn’t quite on the mark, and it was officially diagnosed as a sprain which still ruled him out of today’s Twenty20 Super Smash elimination final against the Aces in Auckland.

‘‘It was a bit of a freak accident and he tripped up over himself playing football. He’s sprained his ankle quite badly,’’ captain Tom Bruce said in an interview released by the Stags.

With no more T20 international cricket for New Zealand until the August tour of Sri Lanka the lanky seamer has time to recover and retain his international spot, but this injury will still hurt. A year ago the Stags beat the Aces before losing the decider to the Knights, who host this year’s final.

Last year’s Super Smash leading wickettaker with 21, Tickner forced his way into the Black Caps with more standout performances this summer. His 15 wickets are second-equal with the Aces’ Mitchell Mcclenaghan, with Canterbury’s Kyle Jamieson topping the charts with 22.

There was more drama at Stags training with power hitting allrounder Josh Clarkson also ruled out after suffering a groin tear while bowling in the nets.

Kieran Noema-barnett and Bevan Small were summoned to replace the duo.

The second-placed Aces are in form and beat the Stags by eight wickets chasing down 175 last Saturday in their final regular season match. Mark Chapman’s unbeaten 75 off 41 balls saw them canter home.

Black Caps power opener Colin Munro is a key addition for Auckland, and won’t be joining the ODI series against Bangladesh until next week’s game three in Dunedin.

Still, the Stags possess the best depth around, especially in the bowling ranks, and will head to Eden Park’s Outer Oval with a potential all-international attack of Doug Bracewell, Adam Milne, Seth Rance, Ben Wheeler and Ajaz Patel.