Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond supported Ross Taylor's version of events surrounding his captaincy dismissal, according to an internal letter quoted today.

Radio Sport this morning reported Bond wrote a letter to New Zealand Cricket after Taylor and coach Mike Hesson had spoken publicly outlining his concerns over Hesson's version of events.

He is reported to say in the letter that in a meeting between coaching staff and the manager during the Sri Lanka tour, Hesson had stated a new captain was needed and that it had to be Brendon McCullum. 

In an extract from the letter published on Tony Veitch's morning show Facebook page, Bond writes: "On arrival in Galle I bumped into Bob Carter in an open corridor where he informed me he'd just been in a meeting with Mike Sandle and Mike Hesson where the latter told Ross he was no longer wanted as captain.

"Bob was clearly a little stunned and commented on how upset Ross was.

"I later bumped into Mike on the way to dinner. He informed me that he'd told Ross he was no longer wanted as captain. I stated that the timing was completely inappropriate and he had most likely affected the ability of the captain to perform and it seemed like sabotage."

Bond said in the letter he had listened to interviews with Taylor, Hesson and NZC chief executive David White and found the content of these "distressing".

"I believe the coach has been dishonest in his assertion around the miscommunication of the captaincy split with Ross.

"At no time during my conversations with Mike Hesson, that mostly included Bob Carter and/or the manager was the captaincy spilt ever suggested.

"It was clear to me that Ross Taylor was to be removed as captain from all three formats."

Bond went on to say he had no problem with Hesson wanting to choose his own captain, and he believed McCullum would have already agreed to take over before Hesson removed Taylor from the role.

"I don't believe he would have initiated the conversation with Ross unless he knew Brendon would accept."

Former Black Caps batsman Craig McMillan told Radio Sport the email was sent to NZC five weeks ago and Hesson and Bond had obviously worked through the conflict.

White told Radio Sport the letter was Bond's opinion only and Hesson's job was safe.

He said he had spoken to Hesson, Carter and manager Mike Sandle who told him Bond's letter had "a number of inaccuracies" and it was important to note he was not in the meeting in Sri Lanka when Taylor was demoted.

"They've been in South Africa. Shane Bond has worked closely with him in a very challenging tour, they've cleared the air with a conversation. They're in a professional working relationship. I don't think that's an issue at all." 

Taylor is due to return to the Black Caps side for the home series against England in February and March.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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