Finn Allen joins New Zealand's bio-bubble after returning COVID negative

Ahead of the second T20I against Bangladesh, New Zealand have received a massive boost as Finn Allen has joined the team’s bio-bubble after returning negative COVID tests. Allen’s availability is a big plus for New Zealand who were bowled out for 60 in the first T20I. New Zealand head coach Glenn Pocknall said the decision on Allen’s inclusion in the second T20I will be taken after examining his health before the match.

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"He has returned two negative results so that's great for us," Pocknall said. "He is a very attacking batsman. He has showed that around the world in the shorter format. He will add a lot of firepower to our batting line-up is a big part of our squad. Hopefully he can come into the squad as soon as possible. He will be considered (for selection) but it is a matter of when.

"He has just come off Covid so there are some unknowns about how he will be physically. He is fine now but we have to assess the affects in these conditions before we decide which game he comes back."

Finn Allen and Colin de Grandhomme landed in Dhaka after taking part in The Hundred, four days before the rest of the contingent arrived. However, Allen was tested positive while serving his isolation period. The New Zealand management then named Matt Henry as the replacement for Allen but said that the opener will not fly back home and will stay with the team in Dhaka.

After a sensational season of the Super Smash, Allen got to make his T20I debut against Bangladesh in the home series, hitting a half-century in the third game. He’s been in top form of late and had impressive outings for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, scoring 4 half-centuries in 13 games.

The surface in Dhaka is not the best to bat, especially against the spinners. You might not need a big 50 to get your team ahead as even a quickfire 30-40 can be crucial in the match. Allen is a player who can get New Zealand off to a desirable start.