Shane Bond quits international cricket

Wellington:

New Zealand fast bowling star Shane Bond said on Friday he was ending a playing career which combined spectacular success with a frustrating succession of injuries.

The 34-year-old, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in December after yet another injury cut short his series against Pakistan, said he was unwilling to compromise his standards by continuing in international cricket.

"I know the time is right for me to step down," he said in a statement announcing his retirement from all cricket.

"I dreamed of playing for New Zealand when I was six. The reality of what has unfolded was more than I could ever hope for and I have been extremely proud to represent New Zealand.

"I am going to miss a lot of this but I know now is the time to bow out."

When fit, Bond was New Zealand's best fast bowler since Richard Hadlee and he ended his Test career with 87 wickets from 18 matches at an average of 22.09.

In 82 one-day internationals, he captured 147 wickets at an average of 20.88.

The former police officer combined blistering pace with fine control and swing, but a string of injuries frequently interrupted his career following his international debut in 2001.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said Bond would be "almost impossible to replace".

Captain Daniel Vettori agreed, saying New Zealand had been lucky to have a player of Bond's stature.

"For me personally it is a big loss -- I think he could still be a really good player for us for some time to come," Vettori said.

"But I know how much effort he puts in to stay on the park. He knows his body and he knows what he needs to do to prepare for international cricket."