Cricket: Fast-bowlers scarce as West Indies series approaches

A virus to Shane Bond is the latest in a series of fast-bowling afflictions threatening New Zealand's build-up to its one-day series with the West Indies next month.

Black Caps manager Lindsay Crocker said the Canterbury speedster had been knocked flat by a "nasty, nasty virus" and would be out of action for some time yet.

"He has been so weakened by it, and the energy he uses when bowling is so great, he now needs plenty of time to get his workloads up and back to where he was," Crocker said.

Crocker would not make any predictions about when Bond would return to action or whether it would threaten his involvement in the West Indies series but news of his illness will be another blow to the selectors who are having to look at the possibility of using second-tier seamers after a rash of injuries.

The spotlight might again fall on the likes of Central's Michael Mason and Lance Hamilton, who have been in good form recently.

The list of injured seems to be growing by the day. So far it includes internationals Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Andre Adams, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Ian Butler and now Shane Bond. Long shots Jeff Wilson and Richie Sherlock are out of the game as well.

Mills' groin injury is potentially the most troublesome.

He is frustrated by the delay and even believed he might have placed a curse on himself when putting his good form down to an injury-free season following the Queenstown ODI against Sri Lanka.

Crocker said New Zealand's most consistent bowler this season would be kept on ice for as long as was required.

"His injury is one that just requires rest," Crocker said.

Jacob Oram was due to play in the State Shield yesterday following a bruised heel but that has been put back until today's Twenty20 match where he will play as a batsman only. Crocker did not expect to see him at the bowling crease for some time yet.

Andre Adams has yet to return after breaking a bone in his hand and is still weeks away from a return.

Scott Styris, whose seam-up wobblers have proved useful in both one-day and test cricket, is struggling with a knee problem.

Daryl Tuffey's comeback is being delayed by injury while Northern Districts paceman Ian Butler is playing 'A' cricket as a batsman and off-spinner.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY