Bond reminds Black Caps what they missed

OPINION: Shane Bond showed enough on his test return against Pakistan to remind everyone what the Black Caps have been missing for far too long.

A player with Bond's history of injuries didn't need two years on the sidelines because of contract complications.

A team like New Zealand couldn't afford to have their one genuine world class fast bowler unavailable either.

Deep down everyone loves a bit of a rebel and there seemed to be relief all round when circumstances allowed his return into official circles. That relief flowed into delgiht in Dunedin as New Zealand tangled with Pakistan in a fascinating match.

To have Bond bowling in test cricket is a real bonus because at 34 it seemed likely that the old warrior might restrict his international comeback to the shorter versions of the game.

There's a feeling of making up for lost time here. Bond has had so many setbacks that he knows he has to take advantage of every opportunity now and say what you like about the fancy new versions of the game, every top cricketer will still say that most credence comes with performance in the test arena.

Bond admitted to rustiness but also said he was there to take wickets and felt he had achieved that at the University Oval in Dunedin.

No argument there. He finished with 4-93 off 24 honest overs of endeavour but it was his three-wicket blitz in the middle session that promised so much for the Black Caps.

Pakistan were guided out of jail by a remarkable story of their own in 19-year-old Umar Ukmal who scored a century on debut. It was fascinating to watch two players at either end of the spectrum dominating and also going duelling head to head.

But it was Bond who was occupying the Kiwi interest and he revelled in being centre of attention again.

The last of his tests was two years ago in Johannesburg. The combination of problems he has endured have restricted him to just 18 tests since his debut against Australia way back in 2001.

Naturally Bond isn't as quick as he once was. But he's not slow either - he was bashing the ball into a pretty lifeless pitch well over 140km/h for most of the time and got a couple past 150km/h. He certainly managed to give Pakistan's top order a hurry-up.

And he also has a weight of experience to call on now. He worked into his bowling and looked particularly strong in his second and third spells.

Four maidens and no conceded extras added to his respectability.

Bond has played his part to keep New Zealand right in the mix of this intriguing test.

If the Black Caps can wrap up the Pakistan tail quickly on Friday there is still time for things to happen.

With a fast bowler like Bond to back up Vettori's spin, New Zealand might relish having another lick at Pakistan if the Black Caps batsmen can set up a reasonable total for the last day.

- © Fairfax NZ News