New Zealand have called Central Districts paceman Michael Mason into their touring squad as doubt continues to swirl around the fitness of key strike bowler Shane Bond.
Previously in doubt himself because of a long-running ankle injury, Mason will arrive in South Africa this week as cover for not only Bond but also the remainder of the tourists' pace attack.
Manager Lindsay Crocker said last night that although Bond was making a gradual improvement from the knee complaint that kept him out of the first test, there was still no certainty he would be fit for the second, starting in Cape Town next Thursday.
"Our concern is that, if Shane is not available for Newlands, we'll have no cover for the balance of the pace attack and that's why we sent for Michael," Crocker said.
"It's too early for us to say whether Shane will be fit or not but, the way things are in the moment, we feel he's got a good chance and wouldn't want to count him out yet. That's why he's not going home.
"It's just got to the stage where we have to make a decision in terms of having someone over here in time for the second test."
Mason was the form pace bowler of the domestic season but he has been battling an ongoing ankle problem.
Cricket: Mason recruited as backup cover for Bond
New Zealand have called Central Districts paceman Michael Mason into their touring squad as doubt continues to swirl around the fitness of key strike bowler Shane Bond.
Previously in doubt himself because of a long-running ankle injury, Mason will arrive in South Africa this week as cover for not only Bond but also the remainder of the tourists' pace attack.
Manager Lindsay Crocker said last night that although Bond was making a gradual improvement from the knee complaint that kept him out of the first test, there was still no certainty he would be fit for the second, starting in Cape Town next Thursday.
"Our concern is that, if Shane is not available for Newlands, we'll have no cover for the balance of the pace attack and that's why we sent for Michael," Crocker said.
"It's too early for us to say whether Shane will be fit or not but, the way things are in the moment, we feel he's got a good chance and wouldn't want to count him out yet. That's why he's not going home.
"It's just got to the stage where we have to make a decision in terms of having someone over here in time for the second test."
Mason was the form pace bowler of the domestic season but he has been battling an ongoing ankle problem.
Cricket: Mason recruited as backup cover for Bond
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