KEY POINTS:
Mark Gillespie really started wondering if his cricket World Cup dream was going down the gurgler when he had a refreshing shower at Los Angeles International Airport.
When he struggled to massage shampoo into his scalp during a stopover en route to the Caribbean, it dawned on him that a sore throat he got before New Zealand departed for the West Indies on February 28 could have more serious ramifications.
However, he consulted a specialist in Barbados who found the nerves in his right shoulder had been numbed by a bout of brachial neuritis.
Until then the 27-year-old fast bowler was perplexed about why he was suddenly unable to complete the most mundane tasks.
"I had no idea what was going on. It wasn't an injury, I knew I hadn't done anything ... so I couldn't understand how I had trouble showering, carrying bags ... not being able to train," he said after the Black Caps optional workout yesterday.
The diagnosis was far from reassuring. The virus could be treated with steroids, but one expert suggested a full recovery could take two years - a ridiculous timespan for a man expected to bowl at speeds of 145km/h on and off for the next six weeks.
The Wellingtonian's recovery is well ahead of that schedule but he is being held back because his throwing, not bowling, isn't quite up to speed.
After three solid workouts in the nets, Gillespie's ground fielding - where his arm uses a trajectory that strains his shoulder socket more - is short of the world standard.
He had a brief fielding drill and is unlikely to be considered for New Zealand's second group C match against Kenya on Wednesday.
However, he was hopeful of playing against Canada on Saturday. Although delighted with his teammates' six-wicket win over England, as a competitor Gillespie couldn't help regret that he wasn't involved, maybe helping out bowling at the death.
Gillespie, who has taken 18 wickets at 36.11 this summer since making his debut against Sri Lanka at Napier in December, is at least assured of staying with the tour party for now.
"I was contemplating going home but it's improved so I'm really positive about things," he said.
Gillespie was prescribed steroids and had to ensure his medication met World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines and tournament rules before he could start the course of tablets.
"I was fortunate everything got fast tracked, the specialists, the scan results and it only took a day to get approval to take the steroids."
Now all he has to do is get his outfielding skills in order.
"I tried to throw the day before the England game but that didn't really last too long," he said.
"I still can't rush things, I'm getting there but it'll be a massive bonus if I play before the end of pool play.
"You can't hide in the field if you can't throw."
How about asking Stephen Fleming or Scott Styris to step aside in the slips for a bit?
Crouch in the slips cordon?
"In my club team, maybe."
- NZPA
