The good news for the Black Caps, Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum are set to return. The bad news, the ODI series against the West Indies could be lost by the time the duo put on their pads again.
Taylor won't play in tomorrow's must-win third ODI due to a shoulder injury he picked up in the opening Twenty20 defeat but eyes an earlier return than expected after taking part in batting practice over the last two days.
"It was nice to get out there. It was a little bit better today. Still a little bit of pain there but if I can keep improving like I have every day then I'm every chance of hopefully playing a little bit earlier than first expecting when I first heard about the injury."
Unlike Taylor, regular vice-captain McCullum is at least chance to play in tomorrow's match after answering an SOS from New Zealand. Coach John Wright will gauge McCullum's recovery after his dash across the Pacific before deciding on whether he will take the field.
Taylor says McCullum's presence will be enough to lift the side.