Shane Bond calls time on his cricket career

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has retired from cricket
10 April 2012

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has announced his immeditate retirement from all forms of cricket.

The 34-year-old announced his decision to end his career on his return to Christchurch following his side's exit from the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies.

He said: "I know the time is right for me to step down. 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."

Bond's nine-year international career was blighted by injury - he played only 18 Tests - but when he was fit he was one of the most devastating fast bowlers of his generation.

He became the quickest New Zealander to reach 50 Test and 50 one-day international wickets.

He made his Test debut against Australia in 2001 and notched career-best innings figures of six for 51 against Zimbabwe four years later.

But injury forced him to call time on the longest form of the game at the end of last year just one Test into his comeback after a spell with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

In the shortened versions he played 82 one-day games and 20 Twenty20 internationals and was always a potent force with ball in hand, particularly against Australia.

In 17 one-dayers against the Baggy Greens he took 44 wickets at 15.79, including New Zealand-best figures of six for 23 at the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Bond 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 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.

"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."

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in