KEY POINTS:
GEORGETOWN, Guyana - Key New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is making steady progress getting over a hamstring injury but whether he will start Tuesday's (NZT) Super Eights cricket clash against Ireland remained uncertain today.
Taylor had hoped to participate in sprints when the weather finally allowed New Zealand
to train in the waterlogged capital today.
But he bypassed the bulk of a strenuous fitness component of the side's three-hour long practice at Providence Stadium here.
He was able to test his strained right hamstring by jogging laps of the Guyana's new cricket centrepiece but whether he takes the same field against the tournament's surprise packets will not be determined until a final pre-match run around on Sunday (MonNZT).
Taylor rated himself a "70-30" chance of being available for a contest New Zealand must win to cement themselves in the semifinal frame with Australia and Sri Lanka.
He will need more treatment by team physio Dayle Shackel and will not be risked because aggravating the slight muscle tear could potentially end his Cup campaign.
Taylor pulled up lame during his innings of 85 against Kenya in St Lucia on March 20 and admitted the rehabilitation process had been an irritating exercise.
"It's been quite frustrating because it was only a slight strain and it's still taken a couple of weeks to get over it.
"I'm probably running at 80-85 per cent."
Taylor missed the final group C match against Canada and both Super Eights victories against the West Indies and Bangladesh in Antigua.
And although he was in fine touch before his latest injury setback, Taylor was mindful of logging some quality time in the middle before New Zealand continue their push for a berth in the final four with a tough trio of matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia in Grenada starting on April 12.
"It would be useful to have a game before the three big games.
"You're still training and going to the gym but it gets quite frustrating to not be out there. Having a hit in the middle would be the best situation."
Taylor and Michael Mason -- who has been ruled out of the Irish game with a calf strain sustained against Bangladesh on Monday (TuesNZT) -- are the only lingering concerns in a squad which have lost Daryl Tuffey and Lou Vincent already.
Bowler Mark Gillespie is ready for action after a lengthy recuperation from a pre-tournament viral infection that rendered his bowling arm numb.
Taylor took solace from the fact the team have extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches since the Australian Tri-Series in February despite the multiple setbacks, particularly after they landed in the Caribbean.
"They've been useful in terms of helping us focus on our own jobs," Taylor said.
"We've had three or four injuries -- and we're still winning."
Taylor, 23, is relishing every moment of what is expected to be the first of many World Cups.
"Six months ago people were asking 'Do you think you'll go to the World Cup?'.
"Realistically I'd have liked to have come but I didn't think I'd make it," he said.
"It's everything I thought it would be and more.
"It's been a bit frustrating with the way my leg's been for the last couple of games but hopefully we can get on top of that and I can turn up for the rest of the tournament."
- NZPA
