Mark Gillespie on the fast-track to recovery

Mark Gillespie, the New Zealand fast bowler, is optimistic of returning to action soon, after recovering sufficiently from a viral infection on his right shoulder. Gillespie showed positive signs of regaining full fitness during a practice session at Antigua ahead of the Super Eights clash against Bangladesh, though his availability for the game is uncertain at this stage.

"I feel a lot better now," Gillespie told The New Zealand Herald. "I'm nearly back to full match fitness, I'm just fine-tuning things. I'm a lot better now in terms of throwing. When I last tried throwing, things went downhill so this is much improved. I'm back.

"I've just got to get up to speed as quick as I can, and I'm looking forward to my next game. I just hope it's sooner rather than later."

Gillespie's return should come as boost for New Zealand, who've had their share of fitness worries despite their good run in the tournament so far. Daryl Tuffey was sent home after injuring his right arm during a Group C match against Canada while Lou Vincent, the opening batsman, was also forced out of the World Cup after injuring his wrist during a nets session.

Gillespie has performed consistently in his short career so far, supporting Shane Bond, the team's strike bowler, and picking up vital wickets using clever variations in pace. In 15 ODIs since his debut against Sri Lanka in December, he has picked up 18 wickets.

The viral infection, diagnosed as an acute neuritis just before the start of the World Cup, unfortunately ruled him out of all four matches. Gillespie was unable to bowl or throw and faced the prospect of being sent home if he failed a fitness test in Antigua.

"It was pretty tough when I was struggling," he said. "I was at the point where I thought things could be all over. It wasn't responding, it was just aching. There's still some pain but the aching has mostly gone away and I can live with it."

Gillespie has been taking injections to ease the pain and was in fact considered for selection against West Indies on Thursday. However, John Bracewell, the coach, said that the team management instead opted to play their best combination. In all probability, Gillespie could be back in action in New Zealand's third Super Eights clash against Ireland on April 9.