New Zealand Cricket's sports science medical co-ordinator Warren Frost confirmed today that he had been able to keep up to play with the state of injury recovery of affected international players during their six-week strike.

"It was difficult, but not impossible. I had to do it through the right channels," he told CricInfo.

With so many players in various stages of rehabilitation, and with the international season getting even closer, it was regarded as a vital time in their build-up.

Frost will be working with the players over the next week to assess where they are at.

"When they came back from Sri Lanka [for the ICC Champions Trophy], they were given programmes to last them through until the end of October," he said.

"It will be a good opportunity for the players to show they can be trusted to do the work."

Frost said that Chris Cairns was progressing well from his knee surgery and was bowling in the nets. He could start playing again "fairly soon".

Andre Adams, who suffered a stress fracture in his back during New Zealand's tour to Pakistan bowled 10 overs in two spells of five last weekend.

"He is still feeling a little weak, but you always get that when coming back from a first significant injury. There is a psychological step as well as a physical step to take when you come back."

It was necessary for the player to get his confidence up, Frost said.

Paul Hitchcock had an elbow problem for which an MRI scan was done and he was bowling and throwing again and was progressing well.

Frost said he had not had as much contact with James Franklin but he was bowling again, and he would be speaking with him soon.

Otago left-arm Shayne O'Connor had his recovery upset slightly by a shin problem but he was now bowling again and playing club cricket in Alexandra.

Frost was also confident that left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori was continuing to advance from his position last season.

"Daniel is tracking along really nicely. He has spent so much time working on his fitness that he knows what to do by now," Frost said.

© CricInfo