New Zealand head coach confident in fully fit squad for T20 World Cup 2024

New Zealand coach Gary Stead has expressed confidence in a fully fit squad as they gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Finn Allen and Devon Conway are showing promising signs in their recovery from injuries, boosting the team's morale.

Despite missing the recent T20 series in Pakistan due to a back injury, explosive opener Finn Allen is progressing well in his rehabilitation. 

Similarly, wicketkeeper Devon Conway, who underwent surgery for a thumb fracture sustained earlier, has been actively participating in net sessions despite his absence from the ongoing IPL season.

Stead provided updates, stating, “Finn Allen’s in the nets here behind us at the moment so he’s tracking along nicely. He’s still got a little bit of pain in his back but our plan this week is to progress them up and put more intensity through his training each day".

He further mentioned, “Devon’s over at the IPL still and he is tracking nicely. He’s been wicketkeeping and batting in the nets on a regular basis. “He’s back home at the end of the week. We’ll have a look at him early next week and make sure that that he’s good to go as well.”

With no warm-up matches scheduled before their World Cup opener against Afghanistan, Stead emphasized the team's preparations, including training on varied surfaces at Bay Oval to simulate Caribbean conditions. He highlighted the squad's extensive cricketing experience, particularly from the IPL and recent tours, which will be vital in adapting to the challenges ahead.

“There’s a number of guys who’ve been in the IPL for the last two months and we’ve also recently come off the tour to Pakistan. There’s a lot of experience in the group, who have played in the Caribbean Premier League before, so we’ll be leaning on those guys and making sure the training we get in prior to the first game gets us to where we want to be," he concluded.