Otago coach Mike Hesson breathed a sigh of relief when the remainder of his squad drifted in from South Africa two days before his side's opening Champions League game.
The Volts have been without Black Caps Brendon McCullum, Neil Broom, Ian Butler and Aaron Redmond for the bulk of their preparation.
And with Nathan McCullum sidelined with a groin strain, it has been all hands on deck with even the team's video analyst, Anthony Bullick, called on to play warm-up games.
But with Nathan McCullum fit and the Black Caps back, Hesson can finally pick from a full squad.
Just as well, because Otago opens its campaign against the impressive Cape Cobras tonight.
"At least we can put a top order on the park now," Hesson said.
"Having five players out did put a lot of pressure on the guys that were here. But it also gave them a lot of opportunities which, hopefully, will stand us in good stead later in the tournament."
South Africa's Cobras beat the Bangalore Royal Challengers by five wickets, with JP Duminy thrashing an undefeated 99 from just 52 deliveries to help his side overhaul Bangalore's total of 180 for four.
While Hesson thought the batting by both sides was good, he was not as complimentary about the bowling.
"I was impressed with the batting of both sides, but I wasn't particularly impressed with the death bowling of both sides. Whether that was nerves or just rustiness, I'm not entirely sure."
Hesson hinted Otago might opt for a second spinner, with left-arm offspinner Nick Beard getting an opportunity if the conditions suit.
"If the conditions look similar to what they were the other day then there is a possibility of introducing a second spinner.
"That is something we're confident in. Nick Beard has bowled well throughout the tour, and even though he is young and inexperienced, he has stepped up to the mark every time we've asked him to."
However, he was tight-lipped on whether Brendon McCullum would take the gloves or not.
"That is something we'll work out in the next 24 hours. It just depends if we play a second spinner or not."
If Beard plays, Otago will need Brendon McCullum to perform dual roles to free up a spot for a batsman.
• The Otago Volts have announced a new sponsorship deal, with the Dream11.com website, on the eve of their first Champions League game.
The site runs a fantasy cricket competition.
Its logo will be displayed on the Volts' uniforms during the tournament.
As part of the deal, the sponsor will donate money to charity, saying it will feed 100 poverty-stricken children for every run scored and every wicket taken by Otago during the Champions League.
