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New Zealand pacer Blair Tickner was in tears when he addressed the media at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Wednesday because of the devastation brought upon his childhood home by Cyclone Gabrielle.
29-year-old Tickner made his Test debut for New Zealand against England in the day-night pink ball test played from 16 February at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Hawke’s Bay, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island has been completely destroyed by what is described as the worst storm in New Zealand’s history. Floods, landslips and high winds have destroyed homes and basic facilities in the region.
On Sunday, police confirmed that the national death toll has jumped to 11 after two more deaths were reported. There are around 1700 people, who are misplaced and there are still uncertainty on their safety.
After the conclusion of the first Test which New Zealand lost by 267 runs under four days, both Tickner and Will Young were given special permission to return to their homes for a couple of days.
After the disaster, Tickner admitted that the ongoing period is tough but the people are staying strong and helping each other out in these difficult times.
“My father’s house has been fully destroyed. It was good to get back and help them out. And, obviously, it’s hard times for the whole region so helping out neighbours and whoever we could. Luckily enough, the Central Stags cricket team was helping alongside us. It has been tough. It’s really tough at the moment. But, Hawke’s Bay are staying strong,” said Tickner.
“Obviously, you grow up there as a kid and it’s just… it’s just crazy. A bit hard to talk about, really. There are so many damaged little parts of Hawke’s Bay I haven’t even seen yet. You sort of just get to work: people are just walking down the road and just asking people if they need help and it has just been awesome to see the region pulling together.”
Earlier, Tickner was named in the squad for the first Test and was informed that he would be making his debut in the first Test against England. However, just two days before the start of his dream Test, the cyclone came and knocked out all the power in the region which meant Tickner was unable to contact his people to tell them the good news.
Eventually, when he did manage to contact his father, his father was very clear about the decision and wanted his son to represent their family and the people of Hawke’s Bay.
“I finally got hold of my dad and he just wanted us to represent our family well and represent Hawke’s Bay. I couldn’t really say no to playing my first Test and I knew I was going to help out, I just wanted to be a bright light for them at home.
“He was taking generators back down to Hawke’s Bay to help the people. He just stopped in for about half an hour, luckily saw my first Test wicket, and then went on to a seven-hour drive back home to help everyone,” said Tickner.
In his debut Test match, Tickner took his first wicket of opener Ben Duckett who was well set on 84 and claimed 1/72 from his 13 overs in the first innings. In the second innings, he looked much better and improved his figures by taking 3/55 from his 12 overs dismissing Duckett, Harry Brook and wicket-keeper batter Ben Foakes.
In these tough times, the whole New Zealand Cricket is looking to offer help. On Wednesday, the board announced it would partner with ANZ NZ to raise finance for the New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Fund during an ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park on Sunday.
ANZ NZ has pledged around US$ 622,600 and has encouraged all the public to donate further. All ticket money from the ODI match will be donated to the fund.
On this decision, Tickner was very happy to see NZC and ANZ coming together and offering assistance to people in need. He also hoped that New Zealand will bounce back in the series to give a little joy to the people living in Hawke’s Bay.
“We were wanting to help out how we could and it’s awesome to see NZC and ANZ coming forward for the first game against Sri Lanka. It’s going to be awesome. Hopefully, we can have a sell-out and all that money goes to them. The cyclone, it’s around the whole of New Zealand – it’s been hard for everyone throughout the country, I’m not saying just Hawke’s Bay. I just want everyone to go out and support and you can help donate food, clothing all around New Zealand. So everyone can help.
“I definitely want to get my first win in Test match cricket and really want to do it for the people in Hawke’s Bay. Now we’ve banded together as a team and fundraising this money I think it’s going to be very special,” he added.
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