NZ vs ENG: Cyclone Gabrielle disturbs training plans of several New Zealand squad members ahead of first Test

England and New Zealand are set to go head to head in a two-match Test series starting on 16th February, 2023. However, host side has been dealt with a huge blow in form of Cyclone Gabrielle as it has been disrupting all their travel plans.

Cyclone Gabrielle disturbed many of their team member's travel plans, as New Zealand couldn't start their practice for the first Test against England with a complete side. Following significant interruptions caused by sweeping rains and strong winds throughout the North Island, the New Zealand team trained on Monday morning at Bay Oval without the likes of Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Will Young, Blair Tickner, and three support staff members.

Cyclone has had a wee bit of an impact on travel for some people: Gary Stead

Tickner and Young were travelling by cars from Napier but the weather didn't help their cause, according to New Zealand Cricket, and Nicholls was scheduled to land in Christchurch (South Island) on Thursday as a result of the cancellation of his initial flight. After the birth of his second kid, Blundell is now in Wellington with his family. Matt Henry is still in Christchurch with his family after birth of his first child and there is no confirmation when he'll be able to join the squad for the upcoming series.

New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead spoke about the situation on hand and said, "We've got a number of players that are still arriving here at the moment. So the cyclone that's happening at the top of the North Island has had a wee bit of an impact on travel for some people. It's disappointing the weather the way it is but there's a lot of people up at the top of the North Island who are a lot worse off than us."

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