Bond on the comeback trail

Shane Bond: came through club matches without incident © Getty Images

Shane Bond's return to international cricket continued with his inclusion in the New Zealand A team to play Sri Lanka A in three one-day matches starting next week.

Bond hasn't played for New Zealand since he broke down with a back stress fracture nearly a year ago. He played club cricket in Christchurch over the last two weekends and Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) selection manager, said it was time to assess his fitness at a higher level.

"As part of his managed return to international cricket Shane will available for selection for the first game," Hadlee said. "He will then be rested for the second game and, assuming he gets through the first game without any problems, he will then be reconsidered for selection for the third game."

Hadlee added that the side would be led by Chris Harris. "Chris is New Zealand's highest capped ODI player and has been playing very good cricket this summer. His experience at the highest level will be of enormous benefit to those less experienced players around him."

New Zealand A Chris Harris (capt), Shane Bond, James Franklin, Jamie How, Gareth Hopkins, Hamish Marshall, Bruce Martin, Michael Mason, Kyle Mills, Mathew Sinclair, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent