New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that the majority of the New Zealand Test contingent touched down in London on Sunday afternoon (UK time) after flying from Auckland via Singapore while the rest of the national squad is expected to arrive in England on Monday (May 17).
The New Zealand players and support staff arrived in England on Sunday and were transferred from London Heathrow airport to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, where they will complete their isolation and will be based for the first two weeks of the tour.
The first contingent of the touring side will spend three days in hotel room isolation before starting the training in the mini-groups of six players from days 4-6, depending on the negative COVID-19 tests.
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New Zealand will also play a three-day team intra-squad game scheduled from May 26 to May 28 at the Ageas Bowl, where six local bowlers who have isolated in advance to help make up the sides before the two-match Tests series starting next month.
England and New Zealand will play two-match Test series starting on June 2 in London with the second Test from June 10 in Birmingham followed by the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against India starting on June 18 at Rose Bowl Cricket Stadium in Southampton.
The NZC said in a press release, “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BLACKCAPS are adhering to strict health protocols including pre-departure vaccinations and covid tests, along with receiving medical bags equipped with masks and hand sanitizer.”
The board further added, “While in England they will operate in a ‘controlled team environment’ to limit outside contact and risk of transmission. All tour members will complete a daily self-reported health screening as well as undergoing regular COVID-19 testing.”
The second New Zealand Test contingent comprising Tim Southee, BJ Watling, Ross Taylor, and Neil Wagner will depart from Auckland on Monday afternoon to join the Kiwi squad in Southampton.
The NZC also stated in the official release, “After a successful County Championship stint with Durham, batsman Will Young will also link up with the team on Monday and undergo isolation at the Ageas Bowl before joining his teammates for training.”
On Trent Boult, the NZC said, “He will finish his managed isolation on Sunday and return to Mount Maunganui to see his family before a plan is made around his departure to the UK.”
Noteworthy, the Maldives-based IPL 2021 contingent of Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, team physio Tommy Simsek and trainer Chris Donaldson will also arrive in England on Monday.
(With PTI Inputs)
