New Zealand's not-so-secret agent Bond!

Shane Bond is one of the fastest bowlers in the world and his recent fitness means that New Zealand has a realistic chance of winning the World Cup. In a career spanning almost five years, Bond has played only 59 one-day internationals. Injuries have often kept the best New Zealand bowler since Sir Richard Hadlee out of action. But over the last two seasons, he has been a regular in the team and his contributions of late in Australia and the home series are promising.

Despite all his injury problems, Bond has played in a World Cup and in the 2003 edition he participated in, his performance was outstanding. In 8 World Cup matches, he has picked up 17 wickets which included a mind-blowing 6/23 against Australia. Unfortunately for Bond, it was the same game in which Brett Lee decided to pick up 5 wickets in 15 balls and effectively knock out New Zealand!

After another injury layoff, Bond returned to the New Zealand squad in 2005-06 and has since led the bowling attack admirably. In 22 ODIs during that period, he has picked up 41 wickets at just over 21 per wicket and his best performance of 5/23 was in the recent game against Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee Series.

Not one to boast of how he will blast the opposition batsmen, Bond has a quiet demeanour about him that totally belies his pace! He isn't one to indulge in sledging either. A hard look from him is all a batsman may get and then he lets the ball do the talking. But his injuries have affected the team's and his morale.

"I want to play every game if I can, and hopefully I can get myself ready to do that," he said in the countdown to the World Cup. "The pace is still there. I don't think I've lost any pace from what I had. As I play more I'll get stronger and be able to maintain it," he said speaking about his fitness issues. Bond is one an old breed with a high-arm action and an easy run-up. No slinging or even a hint of a chuck. One smooth action and the batsmen are hopping! But the pitches in the Caribbean won't exactly be lightning quick. But Bond will be!

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