Cricket: Bond upbeat after surgery

New Zealand cricketer Shane Bond remains upbeat he will be back at the bowling crease next month.

The fast bowler, 29, who underwent a second back operation six weeks ago, believes he will be able to bowl in the practice nets by the end of November.

It will take several more weeks after that before Bond can contemplate playing in a match.

He hopes to be appearing for his Christchurch club Old Boys-Collegians by early in the New Year at the latest.

"If I can get a game in as a batsman only before Christmas that would be great. But I will have to see how the back responds to the gradual loading," he said yesterday.

Bond has been cycling and jogging in recent days with no ill effects after the surgery which required a bone graft in an attempt to heal a recurring stress fracture.

Bond said he faced a six-week grind ahead as he regained the condition lost while he was inactive before and after the operation.

"Most of the work I'll be doing on my own because the other guys are well ahead in terms of fitness."

Bond said he had not been allowed to do repetitive bending to protect his back as it healed.

He was forced out of the game in May last year in Sri Lanka and has twice unsuccessfully attempted comebacks after rest periods.

He broke down late last year just before the start of the domestic season then became sore again in England this year when on tour with the New Zealand side.

- NZPA