Kiwi pacer Bond uncertain for clash against Sri Lanka

Mumbai, India: The New Zealand team is getting used to life without Shane Bond and remains unsure if the pace spearhead will be fit for today's Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka.

Bond missed New Zealand's 87-run opening win over South Africa, ruled out because of stiffness that followed a practice match.

Strike bowler Bond, 31, is among the fastest bowlers in cricket, but a recurring back problem has curtailed his international career. His outings have been few since he suffered a stress fracture three years ago.

Scans on Bond's back in Mumbai have cleared him of any damage in his spine, but his bowling action remains restricted.

"There's no bone or disc damage, it seems Shane's problem is being caused by some scar tissue from operations he's had," said New Zealand team manager Lindsay Crocker, adding that management was considering saving Bond for another match.

"We're looking at Shane's long-term career, and these pitches aren't really conducive to outright pace bowling," he said.

"That said, Shane sure does add a great deal to the New Zealand attack."

New Zealand's injury concerns include all-rounder Scott Styris, who also has a back problem, and another bowler Mark Gillespie is down with fever.

Skipper Stephen Fleming said both Bond and Styris would have to pass fitness tests before being considered for selection against Sri Lanka.
"We're looking at consistency, a victory tomorrow will take us one step closer to the semifinals," Fleming said.

"We now think of ourselves as contenders, not as perennial dark horses."

Gillespie's fever meant New Zealand was down to 11 fit players, but he is now recovered enough to rejoin his teammates after a period of isolation. A four-wicket loss to Pakistan has made the Sri Lankan lineup tense even as it returns to the Brabourne Stadium, where it posted a nine-wicket win over defending champion West Indies last weekend in a qualifying match. Captain Mahela Jayawardene is confident his lineup will come back.

"We seek to learn from every outing, and defeat often teaches you more," said Jayawardene.

"It's going to be tough game, but Sri Lanka can match the best opposition ... we welcome a situation where we must win."

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody said the loss to Pakistan was just a minor blip and he would not be considering major changes.

"We won the previous 10 matches in a row. When nothing is broken, it should not be fixed," Moody said.