Bond poised to sign one-year deal

REPORTS in New Zealand suggest that former Black Caps' spearhead Shane Bond is on the brink of signing a one-year contract as Worcestershire's 2008 overseas player.

The 32-year-old injury-plagued fast bowler has an outstanding record in international cricket - 79 Test wickets at 22.39 and 125 one-day international wickets at 19.32 - but chronic stress fractures of the back and feet have curtailed his New Zealand career.

However, Bond's international career was brought to a premature close last month after he signed a three-year contract to play in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) which is not recognised by the game's governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

This leaves him free to play for Worcestershire without the added pressures of Test cricket on his body.

Bond, who missed out on a spell with Warwickshire through injury in 2003, stopped short of confirming his move to New Road over the weekend but an announcement is expected early next week. "I haven't decided yet," said Bond.

Bond's impending capture would make him the latest in a line of former New Zealand players who have graced New Road.

Former Kiwi captain Glenn Turner remains Worcestershire's greatest Black Caps signing, but Bond is also hoping to make his mark in what would be a maiden season of county cricket this summer.

Pakistan legend and former Lancashire all-rounder Wasim Akram paid tribute to Bond's wicket-taking ability but recommended he is bowled in short spells at Worcestershire to safeguard his body from further injury problems.

"Bond was New Zealand's best bowler in the last few years because he swings the ball and he's got the ability to bowl very fast but injuries have stalled his career," said Akram.

"If he can stay fit he could take a lot of wickets."

Source : http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/