A rare mid-match change in New Zealand’s playing XI took place during the third and final Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, after fast bowler Blair Tickner was ruled out due to a head injury.

The incident occurred during New Zealand’s first innings when Tickner, batting at No. 10, was struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from England pacer Jofra Archer during the 115th over. Although he initially continued batting after passing an on-field concussion check, he later complained of dizziness and nausea.

As a precaution, the team management withdrew him from the match during the tea break. Following medical assessment, Tickner was officially ruled out due to concussion protocols.

Under cricket’s concussion substitute rule, New Zealand were allowed to bring in a like-for-like replacement. The match referee approved 24-year-old fast bowler Jack Forkes as his substitute, making him the first concussion replacement used by New Zealand in Test cricket under this rule.

Forkes immediately joined the squad and was available to bowl in place of Tickner, ensuring the team maintained balance despite the setback.

The injury came after Tickner had already replaced injured seamer Matt Henry in the playing XI, compounding New Zealand’s fast-bowling concerns during a crucial match in a tightly contested series.

The series is level at 1-1, and the Trent Bridge Test remains evenly poised after New Zealand posted 438 and England responded strongly, driven by Ben Duckett’s century, reaching 223 for 2 by stumps on day two.