Cricket: Bond set to start in first test

Zimbabwe cricket vice-captain Heath Streak (left) laughs with New Zealand's Scott Styris and Lou Vincent during this morning's practice match at the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy in Harare. Picture / Reuters

Paceman Shane Bond looked in promising form in today's (NZ time) warmup in Harare as the Black Caps prepared for the first cricket test against Zimbabwe starting on Sunday.

The match involved the entire touring squad split into two teams, with numbers made up by several of Zimbabwe's local district players.

Bowler Chris Martin said Bond had a good workout, bowling 16 aggressive overs in short spells to take four for 65.

Coach John Bracewell said Bond, who is almost certain to play on Sunday after a long period on the sidelines because of injuries, felt good.

"We'll see how he shapes up tomorrow. Well check his fitness but it's a non-bowling day for him tomorrow," Bracewell said.

Bond let out a yell of satisfaction when he sent Craig Cumming's middle stump cart-wheeling.

"It adds a new dimension to your attack when you have someone with wheels," teammate Scott Styris said of Bond.

"It also makes you more confident standing in the slip cordon."

Bracewell said the two teams batted 100 overs, with the side dominated by New Zealand batsmen playing 60.

They scored 363 runs at a steady pace with captain Stephen Fleming cracking nine fours in his 62, while Hamish Marshall's 52 included 10 boundaries.

"There was a competitive nature among everyone and at times it turned into a game within a game, so it was quite good fun," Martin said.

"Most of our top order wanted to face the new ball in our hands, so Shane Bond and I took it the first time and Shane and Frankie (James Franklin) took it the second time.

"We're just trying to find some combinations and let our batters have some time in the middle against the new ball."

"He (Bond) hurried them up at times and got three top-order wickets (four in all), so he had a good day."

"He's really looking forward to being back at that level and playing five-day games."

Martin said the transition from Namibia to Zimbabwe had gone smoothly and locals were going out of their way to look after the team

There were no injury concerns.

"Today was a big help. A few guys who weren't quite in match mode came out of today feeling a lot better."

Bracewell said Franklin showed good rhythm but Jacob Oram was still progressing and was not likely to bowl in the two tests.

"He should be ready by the time the one-dayers are played."

New Zealand, Zimbabwe and India will play a tri-series after the tests.

- NZPA