NEW DELHI - New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming said today he was confident that his team would perform well in the Champions Trophy following the return of premier players from injuries.
"I am excited about my side. Approaching a tournament full strength is something we haven't done for along time," Fleming told reporters upon the team's arrival in India.
Fast bowler Shane Bond, left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori, all-rounder Jacob Oram have been in and out with injuries the past year.
New Zealand, winners in 2000, begin their campaign with a pool match against South Africa in Mumbai on October 16. The group B also features Pakistan and one of the two qualifiers.
Pugnacious all-rounder Scott Styris was declared fit only days before the side's departure to India after recovering from a back injury sustained during his stint with Middlesex.
But the return to full fitness of Bond is expected to provide the side with what it has sorely missed due to his frequent break downs - express pace.
Bond, 31, is regarded as one of the quickest bowlers in contemporary cricket and said he would continue bowling fast despite his tendency to break down.
"My role in the team is that of a strike bowler, fast bowler," Bond said. "We have a number of good medium-fast bowlers, but I offer the team something different.
"I'm not trying to last as long as I can, I'm trying to play as best as I can for the team and give everything I can for the team."
But he added: "I used to try and bowl flat out every time. Now I pick and choose the balls that I want to bowl really quick."
New Zealand last played international cricket in March and are will have two practice games before their opening match.
Bond said: "We are always keen to slip under the radar. We have won the Champions Trophy before, made a number of semis and have a pretty good record in big tournaments."
