WELLINGTON, Dec 2: New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond is doubtful for the opening match of the one-day series against Australia after he strained his right hamstring in training on Friday.

Bond, who missed training on Thursday after he picked up a stomach bug, is unlikely to be risked for the match at Auckland’s Eden Park but a decision will not be made until just before the game on Saturday.

The possible loss of Bond, who had been Australia’s chief tormenter before stress fractures in his back ruled him out for the best part of two years, is a concern for New Zealand.

“He’s bowling quickly...anyone at that sort of pace is dangerous, especially with a white ball and pretty early in a New Zealand summer,” said Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Ponting said batsman Brad Hodge would make his One-day International debut in the match.

The 30-year-old Hodge made his test debut against West Indies in Hobart last month.

Hodge’s state team-mate Cameron White has been named as the super-sub, while uncapped pace bowler Michael Lewis has been left out of the 12-man squad.

Hodge will bat at number four with dumped Test batsman Michael Clarke dropping down to number six.

Ponting said the side had been selected with the preparations for the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean in mind.

Teams:

NEW ZEALAND: Daniel Vettori (captain), Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Chris Martin.