WELLINGTON, May 14: Fast bowler Shane Bond is returning home for treatment to a back injury sustained on the tour to Sri Lanka, New Zealand Cricket said on Wednesday.

Bond strained his lower back while bowling during a one-day match against Pakistan on Sunday in the international triangular series.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said Bond’s injury did not appear to be improving quickly and he would take no further part in the series

“It makes sense for him to return home where he can be professionally diagnosed and treated,” Snedden said.

New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets in their first game in the series, but lost the match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday by five wickets.—Reuters