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Black Caps get vaccinated ahead of UK tour

New Zealand's men's cricketers jump the queue as they eye the World Test Championship final against India

All of New Zealand's home-based cricketers heading to England for a two-match Test series and the World Test Championship final have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The New Zealand government said last month it would allow sports people to jump the queue in the country's vaccine rollout to allow them to participate in events of "national significance".

The country has also started administering vaccinations to its athletes ahead of their departure for the July 23-August 8 Tokyo Olympics.

The cricket team will travel to England for a two-Test series starting on June 2 before facing India in the ICC World Test Championship final on June 18 in Southampton.

New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday posted a photo on Twitter of paceman Neil Wagner getting his injection.

"He's the last of our New Zealand-based players to receive the first of two doses ahead of departure to England in May," they tweeted.

Image Id: 2E9C16B30626408EB693C388AC537FCB Image Caption: Wagner getting his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine // Black Caps

ESPNCricinfo reported that New Zealand may need to "patch up" the Test side against England, as players from the IPL would require extended quarantine after Britain added India to its travel 'red list' on Friday.

Test players Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson are currently playing in the Indian Premier League.

Allrounder Colin de Grandhomme said he had returned to training following ankle surgery and would be ready to play.

"Since I've had the surgery the ankle has felt real good and it seems to keep getting better and it feels normal again for a change," De Grandhomme said.

"Looks like I'm tracking well at the moment and should be ready to go for ball one if I'm needed."