BLACKCAPS and Canterbury Wizard’s fast bowler Shane Bond announced his retirement from all cricket today.
After making his Test debut for the BLACKCAPS against Australia in 2001 the 34 year-old has gone on to play 18 Tests, 82 One-Day Internationals and 20 International Twenty20’s for his country.
Bond said his body had been battling to sustain full fitness since the Dunedin Test match against Pakistan in December last year, when he took eight wickets.
``I know the time is right for me to step down. I have given it everything when playing for the BLACKCAPS. 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.
``I also want to thank my wife Tracey, my family, my manager Leanne McGoldrick and all those at New Zealand Cricket, Canterbury Cricket and my club Old Boy's Collegians for all their help and support over the years.
``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. I am very keen at some stage to put something back into the game in New Zealand.’’
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.
In 2008, Bond, was ranked as the number one bowler in world cricket in ODIs. He finishes 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 history and will end his career as the third best with 38.7.
He also became the quickest New Zealander to reach 50 test and 50 one-day international wickets.
Today New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan paid tribute to Bond and his outstanding contribution playing for the BLACKCAPS over the last eight years.
``We will 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 has had an inspirational presence about him and has been a great role model for younger team mates.
BLACKCAPS’ captain Daniel Vettori said Bond’s passion, fire 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.’’
The ball that changed Shane Bond's career came in 2002 against Australia in his fifth ODI - a searing yorker that ripped out Adam Gilchrist's stumps. He terrified the Australian batsmen in that game; and in that series. A Kiwi bowling star was born on the world cricketing stage. Playing Australians brought the best out of Bond. In 17 One-Day matches against them he took 44 wickets at 15.79 runs per wicket, with a BLACKCAPS best of 6 for 23.
Bond gave the BLACKCAPS a rare genuine fast bowling option, increased the potency in attack and was widely regarded as one of the best fastest bowlers in world cricket.
Despite facing numerous challenges to return to the crease, Bond's resolve and desire to fight back was never questioned.
Tests
Played: 18
Wickets: 87
Bowling Average: 22.09
Strike Rate: 38.7
BBI: 6/51 v Zimbabwe Bulawayo, 2005
BBM: 10/99 v Zimbabwe Bulawayo, 2005
ODIs
Played: 82
Wickets: 147
Bowling Average: 20.88
Econ rate: 4.28
Strike Rate: 29.2
BB: 6/19 v India Bulawayo, 2005
Twenty20 Internationals
Played: 20
Wickets: 25
Bowling Average: 21.72
Econ rate: 7.00
Strike Rate: 18.6
BB: 3/18 v Sri Lanka Colombo, 2009
