Monday, November 30, 2009

Bond out of Pakistan series

Shane Bond's test cricket comeback has lasted just one match after New Zealand's premier pace bowler was today ruled out of the remainder of the current series against Pakistan because of an abdominal tear.

Bond reported discomfort in the aftermath of his man-of-the-match performance during New Zealand's 32-run victory in the first test at Dunedin last weekend.

He had scans today that confirmed a tear, a recurrence of the injury that forced him to retire from test cricket in November, 2007, after playing South Africa in Johannesburg.

Bond took match figures of eight for 153 in Dunedin - including the key wicket of Umar Akmal during Pakistan's failed run chase on Saturday - in his first test appearance in two years and just 18th since his debut in 2001.

The 34-year-old misses the second test starting in Wellington on Thursday and the final test at Napier starting on December 11.

The New Zealand selectors are considering adding a replacement to the squad, probably Tim Southee.

Daryl Tuffey, already with the team, may be in line for his first test cap in five years.

In more positive news, fast bowler Iain O'Brien has been cleared to play despite dislocating a finger on his bowling hand.

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