Cricket: Bond comes back from ICL cold

Former renegade Shane Bond has officially been welcomed back into the fold following the premier fast bowler's inclusion in New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) list of 20 contracted players for the 2009-10 season.

Bond severed ties with NZC early last year to take up a contract with the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL) Twenty20 competition, a decision that made him ineligible for national selection.

But the collapse of the ICL has enabled the 34-year-old to resurrect his international career and yesterday's contract announcement comes a week after he declared a desire to represent New Zealand again.

Bond, who last played for New Zealand in a test against South Africa at Johannesburg in November, 2007, could be back during the tour of Sri Lanka in August and September.

While Bond regains a contract, the NZC selectors have named six first-time recipients - fast bowlers Brent Arnel and Ian Butler, one-day specialists Grant Elliott and Neil Broom and top order batsmen Martin Guptill and Tim McIntosh. Notable omissions from the 2008-09 list are Scott Styris, Jamie How, Peter Fulton and Mark Gillespie.

Contracts were awarded on the basis of how valuable the players were likely to be over the next 12-month period.

NZC convener of selectors Glenn Turner had no qualms about including Bond, noting his impressive form for Canterbury in last season's limited overs competitions.

"Shane is confident he can continue to contribute. He has performed well in the shorter form of the game at domestic level, his international track record is outstanding."

Another ICL rebel, pace bowler Daryl Tuffey, was among a cluster of players unfortunate to miss the cut, although Turner said they were still in contention for representative duty.

Former opening batsman Craig Cumming and wicketkeeper Peter McGlashan - who missed out to Brendon McCullum's deputy Gareth Hopkins - were close to the top 20.

Veteran Styris, New Zealand's star performer in the Caribbean two years ago, has limited himself to the one-day and Twenty20 formats.

CONTRACTED PLAYERS

* Brent Arnel*, Shane Bond, Neil Broom*, Ian Butler*, Grant Elliott*, James Franklin, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill*, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh*, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori.
* Players who have not had their contracts renewed from 2008-09: Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Jamie How, James Marshall, Michael Mason, Aaron Redmond, Scott Styris.
(* denotes new player)

- NZPA