New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has called time on his injury-blighted career.
"Time is right," says departing Kiwi paceman
New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has called time on his injury-blighted career.
Bond, 34, announced his decision to retire from all forms of the game on his return from the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, where the Black Caps were knocked out in the Super Eights.
"I know the time is right for me to step down," said the former policeman, who was the quickest New Zealander to 50 wickets in both Tests and one-day internationals.
"I have given it everything when playing for the Black Caps.
"I will miss the camaraderie because it has been a privilege to play alongside such a great bunch of guys who are so committed to do their best for New Zealand."
One of the quickest bowlers of his generation, Bond's nine-year international career was hampered by fitness problems to the extent he played just 18 Tests.
He made his debut against Australia in 2001 and finished with 87 Test wickets at an average of 22.09, including a best of 6-51 against Zimbabwe in 2005.
Rebel
Injury forced him to retire from the longest form of the game at the end of last year just one match into his comeback after a spell in the rebel Indian Cricket League.
In the shortened versions he played 82 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20 internationals and was always a potent force, particularly against Australia.
In 17 one-dayers against the Baggy Greens he took 44 wickets at 15.79, including New Zealand-best figures of 6-23 at the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
He added: "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.
"I am going to miss a lot of this but I know now is the time to bow out."
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori paid tribute to Bond's contribution.
"We are lucky to have had a player of his stature donning the Black Cap," the spin bowler said.
"For me personally it is a big loss because 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. He knows his body and he knows what he needs to do to prepare for international cricket. Sadly for us he has decided his time has come to an end.
"Whatever he chooses to put his hand to, I think he will be successful because he is so determined.
One of the best
"I think that if we can hold on to Shane in any capacity in cricket, if he can help out our future fast bowlers it is only going to be an asset.
"He is one of the best fast bowlers we have ever had and we will miss him in the Black Caps."
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan added: "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 will leave a huge gap that will be almost impossible to replace. We are saddened by his decision but we support him and wish him all the best in his future."
