AUCKLAND, April 15: World-class New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond is not expected to have his performance blunted by the inevitable searing heat and high humidity on short tour of Sri Lanka.

“It’s a case of managing things. Shane does that pretty well now,” New Zealand cricket coach Denis Aberhart said as the team left on Tuesday for Sri Lanka. “He knows what he has to do to not blow his radiator.”

Bond, 27, has suffered in high temperatures before. He was taken to hospital in Brisbane with heat exhaustion during a World Series Cup warm-up game against Australia ‘A’ in January last year.

In Sri Lanka, temperatures are likely to exceed 35degC, with humidity of about 80 per cent, and that’s likely to take a toll on the tourists.

But Bond is more experienced now and Aberhart has no concerns about his No 1 fast bowler, who has a lot to live up to after his New Zealand record-breaking performance of six for 23 against Australia at World Cup in South Africa.

This time it is likely bowling attack will be based around spinner Daniel Vettori, with weather and pitch conditions suggesting he will not lack work.

But Sri Lanka have reputation for punishing spinners, and may attempt to intimidate him early on. Bond’s pace may be needed in short spells to remedy that.

New Zealand play two Tests against Sri Lanka, first starting in Colombo on April 25, and second in Kandy on May 3. A one-day series, which also includes Pakistan, will follow the Tests.

New Zealand play first two-day match against Sri Lanka Academy this weekend. There will be second two-day match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ before first Test.

“I think if we play to our potential we should do well,” Aberhart said. “But it is a big ask. Sri Lanka will be very tough in their own country. We will be looking to start well and finish strongly.”

New Zealand will be without three of their most accomplished players for the Tests — injured batsman Nathan Astle, out-of-favour Craig McMillan and all-rounder Chris Cairns, who is available only for one-day series.

“Three experienced players will not be there, but that gives other people an opportunity.”—PPI