"Sickboy" Bond's absence signals disaster for New Zealand

Test previews / Ed Hawkins / 12 November 2007 / 2 Comments

The Hawkeye view - The Racing Post's Ed Hawkins tells us why its mission impossible rather than secret mission for New Zealand without their star bowler

SHANE BOND, the fast bowler who should have 'handle with care' plastered across his backside, has left New Zealand's tour of South Africa with another injury to leave his team's chances of redemption in a series they trail 1-0 in far from rude health.

Bond, 32, suffered an abdominal strain in New Zealand's chastening defeat in the first Test in Johannesburg and jetted out of the country to be replaced by Kyle Mills. He might as well have taken New Zealand's hopes with him.

For when Bond left the field early on day three after bowling only four overs, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis shared a 330-run partnership which all but took the game away from the tourists.

If it is a sign of things to come, New Zealand will not be surprised. They have had to put up without Bond, arguably their finest paceman since Sir Richard Hadlee, before and they have suffered.

Despite making his Test debut in 2001, Bond has played only 17 matches and has sat out an astonishing 27 thanks to a number of injuries which makes one wonder whether Bond has been going through the medical dictionary trying to collect them all. You name it he's had it; three back injuries, stress fractures to the feet, knee injuries as well as the bog standard strains and pulls.

New Zealand have kept patience with him and they will do again. The reason being that he is the difference between them winning and losing.

The Black Caps have only ever lost twice when Bond has been in the side and they have won nine.
Without him they are a different side. They have lost 12, drawn 11 and won only four. And two of those came against Bangladesh.

As pointers go for the second Test between New Zealand and South Africa at Centurion, starting on Friday, it is crystal clear that the hosts are a shoo-in.

Indeed for future Bond injuries, remember that New Zealand have never lost a series in which he played, nor have they won one when he has been missing.

There is value to be had on the South Africa first-innings runs market, too when you consider the average totals the Kiwis concede when Bond is ice-up.

A whopping 371 is the average they haemorrhage without their strike bowler which makes that total worth considering when prices become available. Also be aware that in the six matches Bond has been injured when he should have been playing South Africa, they have an average of 340.

When Bond has been available, the difference is quite amazing. Chop off 100 runs from that first total and it wouldn't be enough. A lowly 253 is the average score the Kiwis concede when the big man is fit and firing.

Injury permitting, Bond is next due to be in action in Tests against Bangladesh in January. If he doesn't make it then the improving Bangladesh unit could threaten the Kiwis at big prices.

For Bond's sake let us hope that he returns to his best. If not the former policeman might like to consider a career as a physician. After all, he's got plenty of experience.

Anyone have any suggestions of other players who have been so sorely missed on the international circuit?

To read more about Shane Bond go to:

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/newzealand/content/player/36326.html

Comments (2)

1. Dip | 13 November 2007

   Whatever it is.South Africa for 2nd test at 1.50 is ridiculously short.

2. Jamie Carl | 13 November 2007

   England have missed Simon Jones terribly. The ability to reverse swing the old ball is invaluable in Test cricket and he's a better batsman that most people make out.And even though his "illness" was of a completely different nature, Trescothick has been a huge loss to England too.