KEY POINTS:
Shane Bond can thank an impressive tri-series debut five years ago for the confidence he'll take into tomorrow's joust with the world champion Australians.
It was in 2002 that Bond was first thrust into the one-day international scene, making an enormous impact as New Zealand knocked Australia out of their own competition for only the third time in its 27 year history, and made the finals against South Africa.
The unheralded speedster took 21 wickets in the tournament, including 14 at an average of 10.28 against the stunned hosts; and has continued to harvest Australian wickets in cavalier style - most notably during the 2003 World Cup when he took six for 23 in a losing effort.
Speaking yesterday at the Bellerive Oval, Bond said he was excited to be back in the tri-series, and keen to continue his outstanding success against Australia, and particularly Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.
In seven ODIs against Australia, the right-armer has snared 24 wickets at just 11.87, while dismissing Ponting - regarded as the world's best batsman - on every occasion apart from the most recent outing at Chandigarh.
In that match, the semifinal of the Champions Trophy, Ponting posted an invaluable 58 before being defeated by Kyle Mills.
"I hope it's in his mind. I hope that all the Australian players are thinking about me or are worried about me," said Bond.
"He [Ponting] has come up with a few ideas of his own in terms of countering my swing. That's part of why he's such a good player, and it's also why I need to have a couple of tricks up my sleeve.
"The plans I've put in place for him seem to be successful but I can't keep doing the same thing and just expect to get the same result.
"Hopefully I can continue what I'm doing but also introduce some new stuff and keep getting his wicket," he said.
Bond revealed that his main plan against Ponting had been one of denial, based on a theory that such an aggressive and talented batsman would become frustrated at being kept in check, and would - sooner or later - chance his arm.
Denying his pull-shot and being patient as a bowler, waiting for him to make a mistake rather than over-extending, were all vital ingredients in any plan designed to rein in the Australian captain.
"He's a great player but he's also an aggressive player and if you hang in the right areas for long enough he'll play the big shot," said Bond.
"His wicket means a huge amount to the Australians and his record speaks for itself. But in saying that, they've got seven quality batsmen and we've got to make sure that we take early wickets and keep making breakthroughs throughout the innings.
"You can't just restrict these guys to four an over without taking wickets - we have to bowl aggressively."
Bond said he was delighted to have completed the circle and be back on the stage where he made such a remarkable beginning in 2002.
"It was a tough series to start but it was probably the making of me as a bowler. It was one of the series where you could've gone for a mile but in the end things went very well for me.
"My confidence and approach really stepped up because of that, and that's how I've felt ever since."
As for his upcoming clash with Australian spearhead Brett Lee (who is unlikely to play tomorrow because of a chest infection), Bond said it was difficult not to compare himself with the New South Welshman, and keep an eye on the speed radar.
"Yeah, I'll try, but I'm always a few clicks behind Brett."
Outdoing Lee performance-wise was the real challenge, Bond said.
Matchup
Shane Bond v Ricky Ponting
Melbourne 2002: Ponting c Franklin b Bond 45
Sydney 2002: Ponting c Parore b Bond 11
Adelaide 2002: Ponting c Parore b Bond 0
Melbourne 2002: Ponting c Astle b Bond 8
Colombo 2002: Ponting c Fleming b Bond 37
Port Elizabeth 2003: Ponting c Fleming b Bond 6
Chandigarh 2006: Ponting c Vettori b Mills 58
