STRONG CONTENDER: If the practice games are any indication, Graeme Smith and his men could go all the way in the Champions Trophy. — Photo: K.R. Deepak

Mumbai: Explosive New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond's return to international cricket will be delayed further. Breaking the news at a press conference here on Sunday, Manager Lindsay Crocker said: "Shane Bond won't be considered for Monday's Champions Trophy match against South Africa.

"He suffered some stiffness and restriction of movement in his back following the warm-up match against Baroda. He was keen to bowl today (Sunday) as a preparation for Monday's match. But, we have taken a long-term view that it is best for Shane to instead begin his preparation for the next game.''

The Kiwi speed merchant almost single-handedly destroyed Australia and England in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Bond, who came here a couple of months ago on a promotional tour, appeared confident of spearheading the New Zealand attack in the Champions Trophy. That has suffered a blow now.

Not clear

Crocker would not say when Bond would be called upon to play, just mentioning that the fast bowler would start his preparation on Tuesday for the second game against Sri Lanka scheduled for Friday.

The recurrence of Bond's back problem has indeed upset captain Stephen Fleming.

"Yes, it's disappointing. It's not good news before a big game. But, it's news we have had in the past and we have dealt with it before. The team is extremely disappointed for Shane. Considering the nature of the pitch, we have bowlers who can still be competitive.

"The pitch would bring into the picture players like Scott Styris and Nathan Astle apart from the spinners. We can rely on these bowlers and exploit the conditions. Styris is in contention after having a hamstring twinge in the last game.''

New Zealand has not played an international match since the home series against the West Indies in February-March.

Fleming said: "The negative side is we have missed the edge of playing international competition for many months. The edge develops when you are playing regularly. We cannot replicate that in the warm-up matches.

"So starting the game against South Africa is important for us. The positive side is we are fresh and that gives you enthusiasm and eagerness,'' Fleming added.

The Kiwis and South Africans have spent a week here, got acclimatised to the heat and the humidity, enjoyed the MIG Club's hospitality, and won comfortably against the representative teams of Mumbai, Saurashtra and Baroda.

There was also an opportunity to play a warm-up game at the Wankhede Stadium.

Not tested

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis felt that the team's bowlers have not been tested, as the sides they faced in the practice games did not make any attempt to chase.

The South Africans have made a bigger impact by notching up 300-plus scores in each of their three matches — one in New Delhi and two in Mumbai.

Skipper Graeme Smith categorically denied that the Herschelle Gibbs episode would affect the morale of the squad.

Taking over from Shaun Pollock after the 2003 World Cup, Smith has led from the front.

About the opening game, Smith said: "The match against New Zealand is crucial and we want to get off to a good start. In a tournament like this, every game is important. You can't take any game for granted.

"Both the teams will be starting on the same note after coming from wintry conditions at home to hot and humid conditions here," Smith added.

He acknowledged the threat from bowler Bond and batsman Fleming just a few minutes before Crocker and the New Zealand skipper dropped the Bond bombshell.

The teams (from):

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt.), Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Robin Petersen, Andrew Hall, Makhaya Ntini, Loots Bosman, Charl Langeveldt and Andre Nel.

New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (capt.), Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, James Franklin, Peter Fulton, Mark Gillespie, Hamish Marshall, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Scott Styris and Daniel Vettori.

Umpires: Mark Benson (England) and Aleem Dar (Pakistan).

Third umpire: Asad Rauf (Pakistan); Fourth umpire: Rudi Koertzen (South Africa).

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka).

Hours of play: 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6.45 p.m. onwards.

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