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NZ steps away from Test matches
Cricket, 11:46, December 23, 2009 ,
New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has announced his retirement from Test cricket after revealing his body can't cope with the strain.
The 34-year-old says he will still be available to play in one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches, but has taken the decision to step away from the five day format of the game to prolong his career.
Bond's last test came against Pakistan in Dunedin in November where he took eight wickets before having to sit out the remaining two games of the series with an abdominal strain.
"The hardest thing is that I've always considered myself a Test bowler and it was such a great feeling to be back in the team last month and playing test match cricket with the Black Caps.
"Looking back, so many of my injuries have come during Test cricket. Unfortunately my body just won't let me continue to play at that level, given the workload and demands of Test cricket.
"But I don't want to end on an injury and I am absolutely committed to playing for the Black Caps.
"This way I hope I've got a better chance of continuing to play. I hope I'll be able to continue to contribute to the team and to New Zealand cricket fans for a while yet."
Bond only managed 18 Test matches in his seven-year international career, taking 87 wickets at an average of 22.09.