The New Zealand cricket team, in India for the World Cup, have been shocked by the death and destruction wrought by the Christchurch earthquake as they prepare for Friday's match against Australia.
Team manager Dave Currie said the team and support staff, some of whom live in Christchurch, have been
following developments closely.
"The team are devastated by what has happened," said Currie. "Many of the team were woken by calls from friends and family early this morning.
He said initial reports were that immediate friends and family were safe although there had been damage to homes.
Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori said the news had been difficult to take in.
"It's obviously been tough for a number of the guys from the team and the management crew based in Christchurch.
It had been a relief to find families safe and that extended to everyone in the team who had family or friends within Christchurch.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Canterbury area during this time," he said.
Vettori added it would hard for players to focus on the game with Australia with the quake in the forefront of their minds
"The guys will still be thinking about that. The guys have got wives and children that are at home and dealing with the aftermath with everything that has gone on in Christchurch.
"So for these guys it may be a little bit of a distraction, but it still going to be a testing time for everyone within the team."
Vettori said the team would go into the match determined to win to do their bit for people impacted by yesterday's 6.3 quake.
The International Cricket Council has offered its condolences and sympathy.
"At times like this, sport can only offer its support and its deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones during such a tragedy," ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement.
Lorgat said there were moves afoot with the organisers of the World Cup to honour those who lost their lives or have been injured and affected on Friday's match.
- NZPA
