Gloucestershire have begun searching for a replacement overseas player after Shane Bond was withdrawn from his season with the club. Bond has been forced out of the Test series against South Africa with a knee injury and needs an extended period of rest.

Tom Richardson, the chief executive, said: “I spoke today to Black Caps’ Manager, Lindsey Crocker and to Shane. Fundamentally, he has a minor knee injury but it is just not responding and will not go away. Therefore, reluctantly, they have decided to send him back to New Zealand from South Africa for a period of enforced rest.

This means that he will not be available for us this summer. We now need to find a replacement and, in doing so, clearly, we will consider the balance of the team. Currently, we are doing just that.”

Richardson admits that the loss of Bond is a blow after he had been earmarked to bring strike power to the bowling attack. "Although philosophical about it, obviously, Shane is very disappointed, as are we. We believe he would have a made a significant difference on and off the field for us. We wish him a speedy recovery."