The New Zealand fast bowler played seven games for his county across the Vitality County Championship and Vitality Blast last summer, returning home early after his wife Sarah was diagnosed with leukemia.
With Sarah now on the road to recovery, Tickner returns to Derby for the duration of the season following international commitments. He has represented the Black Caps 34 times and made his Test debut against England in 2023.
The 31-year-old Tickner is currently enjoying a good summer in New Zealand and is one of the country’s leading wicket-takers with nine dismissals, 13 in the Plunket Shield (Grade 1) and 11 in the Ford Trophy (List A). Super Smash (T20) so far.
Derbyshire’s director of cricket, Mickey Arthur, said: “We didn’t see the best of Blair in his first game with us. There was a lot going on off the pitch, but he was a consummate professional and we always loved him. “He wanted to bring me in,” he said. He returned in 2025.
“His numbers last season deserved better. We have dropped his bowling chances and if we take that his average will go right down. I am confident we will be better in that regard in 2025 and Blair Because the Prime Minister needs to be rewarded, he is a very good bowler.
“With the likes of Zak Chappell, Harry Moore, Pat Brown and Blair all competing for the new ball, I am very excited for our offense in 2025. It works.”
Tickner added: “Despite everything, I have loved my first time at Derbyshire and kept in touch with the players and coaches. The club has given me tremendous support and I look forward to returning to England and showing what I can do. I’m doing it.
“I think everyone will agree that I have unfinished business with Derbyshire. I wasn’t able to show my quality for the first time and I came back hungry to do that and win the game for the county.”
Agar has returned to Northants.
Ray Payne, Northants’ chief executive, said: “Ashton is an outstanding individual who was vital to our good form in the back end of last year’s T20 Blast. He is highly skilled, experienced and has achieved success at the highest level. .Level of the game.
“We are all excited to see him back in a Steelbacks shirt in 2025.”
