Romeo
10 Apr 2006, 09:50
Kiwis star bowler injured
09/04/2006 21:53 -
Johannesburg - The New Zealand cricket players are keeping their fingers crossed that their star bowler, Shane Bond, is fit for the first Test against South Africa starting at Centurion on Saturday.
The fast bowler only sent down 10 overs on the first day of the Kiwis four-day warm-up match against the Rest of South Africa in Benoni before a swollen right knee stopped him from taking further part.
The Rest of South Africa start the final day at Willowmoore Park on Monday with a 155 run lead after scoring 132-4 in their second innings on Sunday.
Justin Ontong scored 61 in the first innings and he will be continuing with his good form on 59 on Monday along with captain Neil McKenzie on two.
The New Zealanders scored 372 for nine in their first innings, but Bond did not bat.
Bond, who has been plagued by injuries in his international career said: "This is not very serious, but given my history, it's best not to take chances.
Too much bowling
"I've been nursing this knee since the West Indies series and the doctors say it's a typical jogger's injury. .
"I'll rest a couple of days and use my medication before I start bowling again later this week."
The Kiwis should be satisfied with the level of play of their captain Stephen Fleming (118, 188 minutes, 132 balls, 17x4, 5x6), and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum (101, 145m, 98b, 7x4, 7x6).
New Zealand continued their innings on 159-2 on Sunday and lost six wickets for 78 runs before McCullum started opening his shoulders. He scored his fifth top-level century off just 93 balls.
The Rest of South Africa were bowled out for 395 in their first innings on Saturday after McKenzie and company lost their last seven wickets for just 36 runs. McKenzie was out with his score on 141 and JP Duminy on 127.
Meanwhile the South African selectors have retained the squad that was selected for the final Test against Australia for the Test series against the Kiwis.
A final decision about the availability of captain Graeme Smith (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1913843,00.html#) will be taken later. He missed the third Test against the Aussies because of an injured finger. Jacques Kallis will captain the side again if Smith is not fit.
09/04/2006 21:53 -
Johannesburg - The New Zealand cricket players are keeping their fingers crossed that their star bowler, Shane Bond, is fit for the first Test against South Africa starting at Centurion on Saturday.
The fast bowler only sent down 10 overs on the first day of the Kiwis four-day warm-up match against the Rest of South Africa in Benoni before a swollen right knee stopped him from taking further part.
The Rest of South Africa start the final day at Willowmoore Park on Monday with a 155 run lead after scoring 132-4 in their second innings on Sunday.
Justin Ontong scored 61 in the first innings and he will be continuing with his good form on 59 on Monday along with captain Neil McKenzie on two.
The New Zealanders scored 372 for nine in their first innings, but Bond did not bat.
Bond, who has been plagued by injuries in his international career said: "This is not very serious, but given my history, it's best not to take chances.
Too much bowling
"I've been nursing this knee since the West Indies series and the doctors say it's a typical jogger's injury. .
"I'll rest a couple of days and use my medication before I start bowling again later this week."
The Kiwis should be satisfied with the level of play of their captain Stephen Fleming (118, 188 minutes, 132 balls, 17x4, 5x6), and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum (101, 145m, 98b, 7x4, 7x6).
New Zealand continued their innings on 159-2 on Sunday and lost six wickets for 78 runs before McCullum started opening his shoulders. He scored his fifth top-level century off just 93 balls.
The Rest of South Africa were bowled out for 395 in their first innings on Saturday after McKenzie and company lost their last seven wickets for just 36 runs. McKenzie was out with his score on 141 and JP Duminy on 127.
Meanwhile the South African selectors have retained the squad that was selected for the final Test against Australia for the Test series against the Kiwis.
A final decision about the availability of captain Graeme Smith (http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Cricket/0,,2-9-839_1913843,00.html#) will be taken later. He missed the third Test against the Aussies because of an injured finger. Jacques Kallis will captain the side again if Smith is not fit.