Cricket: Bond back with a bang

GALLE - Shane Bond announced his return from international cricketing exile with an encouraging three-wicket haul as New Zealand A otherwise struggled to make headway against a Combined Districts XI in India yesterday.

Bond, who has not played for New Zealand since 2007 due to his temporary alignment with the now defunct Indian Cricket League, was the NZA's standout performer during second-round action at the Buchi Babu All-India Invitation tournament in Chennai.

The 34-year-old fast bowler claimed a wicket with his first ball in national colours since the third test against South Africa at Johannesburg in November 2007, bowling opener Thalaivan Sargunam.

Bond, preparing for a return to New Zealand's test and limited overs sides, then took two more wickets on an unresponsive pitch to finish with an economical three for 26.

The next stage of his graduated return is the limited overs component of the current tour of Sri Lanka.

He is among the reinforcements arriving next week ahead of two Twenty20 matches and a short one-day Tri-Series involving India that take place after the current test series concludes in Colombo on August 30.

Bond then plans to compete at next month's Champions Trophy in South Africa before resurrecting his injury-plagued 17-test career when Pakistan tour New Zealand in November-December.

Despite Bond's success, NZA were condemned to a long grind in the field as the Combined Districts XI posted 359 for eight from their allotted 90 overs.

NZA will attempt to overhaul that total on the second and final day today.

Kyle Mills, another to join the tour here next week, took one for 40 while former international Tim Southee had figures of one for 32.

- NZPA