Bond likely to have stress fracture

A bone scan has revealed that TelstraClear Black Caps fast bowler Shane Bond has a probable stress fracture of his lower back.

"Indications from the bone scan Shane had yesterday point to the injury being a stress fracture. The next step is for Shane to have a CT scan that will confirm if it is a stress fracture and the degree of the injury," New Zealand Cricket's sports medicine co-ordinator Warren Frost said.

The injury occurred while he was playing against Pakistan in the TelstraClear Black Caps' opening match of the one-day tri-series currently being played in Sri Lanka.

"It is too early to comment on the timeframe for Shane's recovery," he said.

"However, the injury will prevent Shane from taking up his county contract with Warwickshire.

"At the moment Shane is resting, which is the only treatment for this injury.

"Later he will advance to pool work, gym work and then bowling.

"With the type of injury indicated there is no reason why Shane shouldn't make a full recovery."

Bond said he was disappointed to be missing out on the opportunity to play in England but was philosophical about the injury.