Shane Bond to get match practice in Darwin

TelstraClear Black Caps fast bowler Shane Bond will fly to Darwin, Australia, this Friday (May 17) where he will play two games in the local domestic cricket competition.

The visit has been organised by New Zealand Cricket to assist with Bond's return to full fitness after he fractured his foot during the VB Series in Australia in February this year.

For the first four days New Zealand Cricket player development manager Ashley Ross will accompany Bond.

"I've been able to bowl extended spells in the nets for a couple of weeks now and the foot feels strong," said Bond.

"I'm looking forward to testing it out in a game situation and I'm confident I'll come through okay."

While in Darwin Bond will play two club matches, the first on Saturday, May 18 and the second the following week on Saturday, May 25.

He will also follow a comprehensive bowling programme during the week.

"Shane is still targeting the West Indies for his comeback and he needs a bit of work under his belt both from a match fitness and a confidence perspective," said Ross.

"He has worked really hard on his rehabilitation and now it's just a matter of increasing the workload and seeing how he responds."