Injured Blackcaps wicketkeeper Tom Latham is on the mend, but still unlikely to feature in their World Cup warm-up match against India at The Oval on Saturday night.
Latham fractured his left-middle finger during a warm-up match against Australia XI and has been limited to catching tennis balls, with New Zealand's first game fast approaching on June 1 against Sri Lanka.
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Blackcaps bowling coach Shane Jurgenson was pleased with how well Latham had progressed in his recovery.
"He caught some tennis balls today, which is a good sign, but he's unlikely for the first warm-up game," he said.
"He's improving each day and we'll see how that develops over the next week."
With Latham out, another Tom is ready to fill the void - reserve keeper Tom Blundell.
The 28-year-old hasn't played for New Zealand at ODI level, but feels comfortable wearing the gloves, until Latham is ready to return.
"I'm not thinking too far ahead," Blundell told Newshub. "I'm just going to go through my routines like I would with any other game.
"From what I understand, my role will be the same, slotting in at five and keeping. I've done it plenty of times for Wellington and will feel comfortable, if given the nod."
Even without Latham in the team for the opening warm-up game, the Blackcaps selectors have an excellent chance to assess who their best XI is before the tournament.
Jurgenson said the New Zealand players couldn't afford complacency at any stage.
"It will give us a good indication of how the guys are playing in their roles and as a team.
"We won't be treating them as warm-up games, so we can try to develop some consistency."
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