Glucose injections revived Bond's battered back

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has said that a series of glucose injections into his fragile back has helped revive his international prospects. Bond will be in Chennai as part of the New Zealand A team for the annual Buchi Babu All-India invitation tournament from August 16 to 29.

Bond, who has suffered repeated stress fractures to the back, has been receiving courses of prolotherapy to ease the soreness in his lower back. Bond has already been named in New Zealand's ODI squad for Sri Lanka next month, marking an international recall after nearly two years.

"It's been the best thing I've ever had for it," Bond told the Press before the team's departure for India. "It relaxes the back, loosens it up and makes a massive difference. I've got a few screws and wires in there and it can make the back pretty tight but this just frees it up."

Bond said he had heard about the injections performed by Dr John Lyftogt last season. "It can be quite painful initially but then settles down," he said.

Bond returns to Chennai, where his performances in the same tournament eight years ago caught the eye of the national selectors. A series of injuries and more recently his participation in the unsanctioned ICL threatened to derail his career. Having quit the league, he had made himself available for national selection.

He said he was happy New Zealand didn't fast-track him into the Test squad in Sri Lanka. "I think I've got the better end of the deal," he said.

New Zealand will play their first two-day game on August 16 against Andhra Cricket Association XI.