Bond eyes NZ return by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SE Bond

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DateLine: 21st June 2009

 

New Zealand speedster Shane Bond has parted ways with the rebel Indian Cricket League and is now determined to play for New Zealand again.

 

The 34-year-bowler, who had once said openly about his unwillingness to play for his country’s national cricket team, has it seems changed mind after his stint with ICL ended last month.

 

"I've spoken to (selection panel manager) Glenn Turner and said I'm available to be picked but I expect to be picked on merit, like everyone else. But I've got to get cricket behind me and prove I can still perform," Bond said.

 

New Zealand are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka in August-September and at the same time another 'A' team is expected to visit India and the fast bowler is hopeful of a berth in either of them.

 

"I hoped that through my domestic cricket it perhaps put me into consideration for an 'A' tour. If it didn't then I'd try and do my time in first-class cricket and get back that way," Bond was quoted as saying in the 'New Zealand Herald'.

 

"I still felt I was the fastest bowler going around, but I wasn't in the best condition and have made a real concerted effort to pick my fitness up. I wanted to see if I still had it in me to do the training required, and was pleasantly surprised and feel rejuvenated," he added.