Xtra Time Web Desk: The first group of the BlackCaps Test contingent touched down in London on Sunday afternoon (UK time) after flying from Auckland via Singapore.The players and support staff were transferred from London Heathrow airport to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton where they will be based for the first two weeks of the tour.
The first three days will be spent in hotel room isolation, before mini training groups of six can be established from days 4-6, pending negative covid results.While in England the New Zealand cricketers and support staffs 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 testing.
Tim Southee, BJ Watling, Ross Taylor and Neil Wagner will depart Auckland on Monday afternoon (NZ time) to join the squad in Southampton.
The Maldives-based IPL contingent of captain Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson, Mitchell Santner, team physio Tommy Simsek and trainer Chris Donaldson will also arrive on Monday (UK time).
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.
A three-day team intra-squad game is scheduled from Wednesday May 26 to Friday May 28 at the Ageas Bowl, where six local bowlers who have isolated in advance will help make up the sides.
Meanwhile, Trent Boult finished his managed isolation on Sunday and visited Mount Maunganui to see his family before a plan is made around his departure to the UK.