May 21, 2003	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 18,1424

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WELLINGTON, May 20: Shane Bond has a probable stress fracture in his spine which will prevent the fast bowler taking up his contract with English county Warwickshire, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said on Tuesday.

NZC said it was too early to comment on the time-frame for his recovery but the Kiwi paceman said he could be out for up to four months.

“It is going to mean a three to four-month stand down from bowling,” Bond told Radio Sport.

The injury cut short Bond’s involvement in the current triangular one-day series between New Zealand, Pakistan and hosts Sri Lanka.

Bond has proved a potent weapon in the New Zealand bowling attack since making his debut in the 2001-02 season.

He has taken 43 Test wickets and 51 one-day wickets, including a New Zealand record six for 23 against Australia in the World Cup in March.

Bond, 27, who had a short spell with Warwickshire last season, was due to return at the end of this month for a second stint with the club.—Reuters