And what a difference there is in a Bond-less New Zealand team. In the 12 Tests that Bond has played, he is yet to taste defeat, with the Kiwis winning 7 and drawing 5. In the other 23 Tests played by New Zealand (since Bond’s debut) where Bond has been unavailable, they have won only 5, lost 11 and drawn 7.

Bond’s contribution to the team is undoubtedly immense. In Tests he is the fastest New Zealander to claim 50 scalps and has a current tally of 56 wickets attained at an average of only 20.6. His one day figures are even more impressive with 77 wickets at an average of only 18.63 with a phenomenal strike rate of a wicket every 26 deliveries.

He’s also proved to be a man for the big occasion with his second best one day figures of 6 for 23 coming against Australia in the 2003 World Cup. (His best ever one day return was 6 for 19 against India in the Videocon Triangular Series, during his ‘comeback’ series last August)

With a fit Bond by his side, captain Stephen Fleming has exuded an altogether more authoritative swagger on the pitch, setting decisive and creative field settings to extract maximum advantage from his strike bowler. Fleming’s status as a captain is elevated when he has Bond at his disposal. Without his main weapon, taking twenty wickets in a test match must feel to Fleming like trying to cut through a tough piece of steak with a plastic picnic knife and he looks less assured on the field when attacking without his pace ace.

It could be argued that New Zealand have missed out on Bond at both ends of his career. Of the three fastest bowlers in the world, Bond was the oldest to make his debut. Both Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar turned out for their national sides by the age of 23. Bond however had to wait until well after his 26th birthday before getting his call up.

Bond will be thirty one years old in June this year and would no doubt hope to still have a good few years left in him to contribute at the highest level. If his past is any measure of his future, it would be a brave man to suggest it will be an injury free period.

And what a shame that would be for New Zealand if Bond continues to prove injury prone. To have unearthed a bowler of genuine world class only to see him sidelined for so much of his career must be a source of immense frustration for those in charge of the New Zealand game.

All of which begs the question… “Where would New Zealand cricket be now in the pecking order of the game if they had a fit Bond available more often?”

Having never lost a Test in which Bond has played, it is reasonable to suggest that the Black Caps would be an indomitable force to be reckoned with rather than the unpredictable outfit they have been during his extended absences.

New Zealand Cricket will be hoping that Bond manages to remain injury free for a significant period. He is an exciting and skilful player to watch. Without him they are a prone to average performances. With him, they look capable of beating and indeed being, the world's best.

true. some interesting stats there. also, bond is one bowler who has consistently (over his short career) troubled the aussies.

Chris
Your comeback's a head-turner, quite like your policeman charging at the bowling crease!

About NZ being the world's best - here's my shout:
if one supremely fit and no-less-talented Donald could not make 10 other pretty competent South Africans world's best (in Tests) at any point of time then Bond's chances with his team should be pretty thin.

Effectiveness will only get sportsmen so far - to take that final leap they must display either genius or guts in abundance.

Here's wishing Bond a long, injury free and immensely rewarding spell under the spotlight. They (the Bonds) are much needed.

Great stuff, Chris, and fascinating to learn that statistic about Bond. Just shows what a class bowler does to a team.

South Africa - feeling the dent left after the departure of Donald regardless of the improvement of Ntini would so like to have Bond in its team.

A world class fast bowler is probably what stops it from being a world beating team.