Injury-plagued Bond quits international cricket
Star New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond today announced his retirement from all forms cricket, saying it was time for him to draw curtains on his international career.
The 34-year-old pacer, who has been prone to injuries throughout his career, had already quit Test cricket in December last year after having represented the Kiwis in just 18 five-day games.
"I know the time is right for me to step down. I have given it everything when playing for the Blackcaps," he said in a statement announcing his retirement after returning from an unsuccessful Twenty20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies.
"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."Playing with pride for the Blackcaps over the years has meant so much to me. I have experienced huge emotional feelings when I have pulled on the silver fern. I am going to miss a lot of this but I know now is the time to bow out," he said.
The right-arm speedster, who hails from Canterbury, was one of the fastest bowlers in the world during a career that has been littered with injuries following his international debut in 2001 against Australia.
Bond ended his Test career with 87 wickets from 18 matches at an average of 22.09. In 82 one-day internationals he played, he captured 147 wickets at an average of 20.88 and in 20 Twenty20 matches matches he had 25 wickets at 21.72.
In 2008, Bond, was ranked as the number one bowler in world cricket in ODIs and finished his international career ranked number five, with an average of 20.88.
At his peak, he had the third best strike-rate in Test cricket and also ended his career as the third best with 38.7.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said Bond has been a "real match-winner" for the Kiwis.
"We will all miss Shane (Bond) 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 has had an inspirational presence about him and has been a great role model for younger teammates," Vaughan said.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said Bond's passion, and hunger to succeed would be sorely missed by his teammates."Shane brought a burning desire to succeed. His grit and resolve to rip through a batting line up rubbed off on his teammates. When Shane was on board, we always felt so determined we could beat any team," he said.
