Bond in NZ squad
for Windies series

Paceman Shane Bond was named in New Zealand's Test and one-day squads on Friday for the forthcoming tour to the West Indies after recovering from a stress fracture of his left foot.

Bond was recalled to the squads announced by chairman of selectors Richard Hadlee to bolster a bowling attack weakened by the injuries to Chris Cairns, Shayne O'Connor and Andre Adams and the recent retirement of Dion Nash.

Bond, the top wicket-taker in the one-day triangular series against hosts Australia and South Africa in January, missed the recent home Test series against England.

All-rounder Nathan Astle, who suffered a knee injury in Pakistan before the tour there was called off following a bomb blast in Karachi earlier this month, has recovered and takes his place in both squads.

Paul Hitchcock, the Wellington medium-pacer, has been named as Adams's replacement in the one-day squad, but will return home before the Test series.

Hitchcock was the top wicket-taker in domestic one-day competition last season, claiming 22 victims at an average of 14.5.

One surprise is the inclusion of left-arm spinner Matthew Hart, brother of new Test wicketkeeper Robbie and who last played for New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup.

Spinner Hart was named in the one-day squad but will return home before the Test series.

The first of the five one-day internationals is in Jamaica on June 5. The two-Test series begins on June 21 in Barbados.

New Zealand's one-day squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Ian Butler, Chris Harris, Matthew Hart, Matthew Horne, Paul Hitchcock, Craig McMillan, Chris Nevin, Jacob Oram, Daryl Tuffey, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.

Wicketkeeper Robbie Hart, opening batsman Mark Richardson and fast bowler Chris Martin will join the squad for the Tests, with Nevin, Hitchcock, Oram, Styris and Matthew Hart returning home.

Mail Cricket Editor