Bond Leaves Test cricket

Christchurch-born paceman Shane Bond, 34, has retired from Test cricket and though he played just 18 Tests after making his debut in 2001, he claimed 87 wickets at an impressive average of 22.09. “It’s been a tough call, because Test cricket remains the ultimate form of the game, but I’m comfortable I’ve made the right choice,” Bond said. “I feel I gave as much as I could, but looking back, so many of my injuries have come during Test cricket.” Bond said that his body could not stand the rigors of five-day Tests but he would remain available for the shorter form of international cricket. On January 19, the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise paid an undisclosed amount for Bond in excess of the total franchise ceiling of US$750,000 ($1.1 million) for one season. Bond is also aiming to rejoin the New Zealand squad for the limited-overs matches against Australia, which start with two Twenty20 internationals in late February.