Kiwis' physio, trainer return to quake-hit homes

New Zealand's World Cup squad have enlisted the services of a local physiotherapist after their own returned to his earthquake-shattered home in Christchurch.

Physio Dayle Shackel and trainer Bryan Stronach, whose wife is four months pregnant, have both taken a temporary leave of absence from the squad, who face world champions Australia in their second World Cup group fixture at the VCA Ground here on Friday.

"It's been difficult, but it's nothing compared to what people are going through at home," New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said on Thursday.

"We managed to locate a local physio, he's been great so far."

Meanwhile New Zealand team manager Dave Currie told the cricinfo website: "We think we are fine.

"If there is a need they (Australia) would provide the support.

"Our physio Dayle had to get back as his property was probably damaged and his family was upset so he went to back to provide some support.

"Similarly, Bryan's wife is four months pregnant and his house has half come down, so he has gone back to take care of his wife."

New Zealand had approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about using their Kiwi-born academy physio Paul Close but the Black Caps, whose coach John Wright was previously with India, were told he was unavailable because of prior commitments.