Bond retires from Test cricket by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SE Bond

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DateLine: 23rd December 2009

 

New Zealand's pacer Shane Bond will retire from test cricket to concentrate on the shorter forms of the game.

 

Bond, who played his first Test in two years after a stint with the rebel Indian Cricket League, said that it was not an easy decision for him, but the string of injuries that he has faced made him take the decision.

 

"It's been a tough call because test cricket remains the ultimate form of the game -- but I'm comfortable I've made the right choice," Bond said in a statement.

 

"The hardest thing is that I've always considered myself a Test bowler - and it was such a great feeling to be back in the team last month and playing Test match cricket with the Blackcaps," Bond said.

 

"I've worked really hard to get back to Test match fitness - it's what I've been working towards for the past two years - and I feel I gave as much as I could. But looking back, so many of my injuries have come during Test cricket. Unfortunately my body just won't let me continue to play at that level, given the workload and demands of Test cricket.

 

"I don't want to end on an injury and I am absolutely committed to playing for the Blackcaps. This way I hope I've got a better chance of continuing to play. I hope I'll be able to continue to contribute to the team and to New Zealand cricket fans for a while yet.

 

34-year-old Bond, hailed as one of New Zealand best fast bowlers has had a career sabotaged by injury always. He has only played 18 tests since his debut in 2002, taking 87 wickets at an average of 22, with a best return of 6 for 51.

 

In his latest Test comeback, Bond picked up 8 wickets against Pakistan in November, helping the side win the match, but he also picked up an abdominal injury, and has been ruled out of cricket until late February.

 

Justin Vaughan, the CEO of New Zealand Cricket, sympathised with Bond's decision.

 

"Shane really showed his never-say-die attitude in his comeback this season, especially in the Test Match against Pakistan - and I know how tough this decision has been for him," Vaughan said. "Of course we're disappointed that he won't be part of the Test line-up, but New Zealand Cricket supports his decision to focus on limited-overs cricket and hopes that this decision will prolong his international career.

 

"He remains one of the best fast bowlers in the international game and we're delighted that he's doing all he can to keep playing."