Astle knee throws scare into New Zealand build-up

As World Cup worst case scenarios, the scare thrown into the New Zealand camp with Nathan Astle's visit to a surgeon today for an assessment of his patella tendinosis is right up there.

The TelstraClear Black Caps most experienced batsman is out of Saturday's sixth match in the National Bank Series as the result of a consultation with New Zealand Cricket's surgeon in Christchurch today.

Astle has appeared 167 One-Day Internationals and is New Zealand's greatest ODI run scorer with 5327 runs, including the most centuries by a New Zealander with 12.

Coach Denis Aberhart said Astle had complained that the knee was a little sore and it was decided to send him home to have it checked out now rather than having it cause problems during the World Cup.

Aberhart said Astle had a history over his knee problem and it was felt necessary to have it looked at immediately. Lou Vincent has rejoined the side although there has been no decision who will open on Saturday with captain Stephen Fleming.

Meanwhile, Shane Bond's fastest bowling of the summer after his return from a side strain in Wednesday's Wellington match, had been welcomed, although the lack of control had been a concern.

Bond delivered one of his balls at 146km/h during the match and was consistently hitting between 141-144km/h during his first spell.

While concerned about the lack of control, Aberhart said the speeds Bond was reaching, although measured differently, were up with those he reached during last year's series in Australia. And that was pleasing for Aberhart.

"Shane is an important component in our game and is a quick strike bowler. We want him at his best," he said.