Kiwi pacer Bond retires from all forms of cricket

Christchurch, May 14 (ANI): One of New Zealand best fast bowlers in recent times, Shane Bond, 34, announced his retirement from all cricket today after competing in the Twenty20 world championship in the Caribbean.

“I know the time is right for me to step down. I have given it everything when playing for the Black Caps. I will miss the camaraderie because it has been a privilege to play along such a great bunch of guys who are so committed to do their best for New Zealand,” the New Zealand Herald quoted Bond, as saying in a statement.

“I want to thank my wife Tracey, my family, my manager Leanne McGoldrick and all those at New Zealand Cricket, Canterbury, my club Old Boys Collegians and the Players Association’s Heath Mills for all their help and support over the years,” he added.

“Playing with pride for the Black Caps over the years has meant so much to me. I dreamed of playing for New Zealand when I was six. The reality of what has unfolded was more than I could ever hope for and I have been extremely proud to represent New Zealand,” Bond said.

I am going to miss a lot of this, but I know now is the time to bow out. I am very keen at some stage to put something back into the game in New Zealand,” he said.

In nearly nine years of international cricket, Bond played just 18 tests, 80 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20 internationals. He took 87 test wickets at an excellent average of 22.09, and 147 ODI wickets at 20.88.

His individual highlight was his haul of six for 19 against Australia at the 2003 World Cup when he destroyed the eventual champions’ powerful batting lineup.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said: “We are lucky to have had a player of his stature donning the Black Cap. For me personally, it is a big loss, I think he could still be a really good player for us for some time to come. But I know how much effort he puts in to stay on the park.”

Vettori hoped Bond would return as a coach to help out future New Zealand fast bowlers.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan said: “We shall all miss Shane in the international arena. His speed and ability struck fear into batsmen from every team in world cricket. He has been a real match winner. Shane has had an inspirational presence about him and has been a great role model for younger team mates.” (ANI)