CHRISTCHURCH, Feb 11: New Zealand’s injury woes continued Monday when Shane Bond was ruled out of at least the first two One-day Internationals against England with a stress fracture of his left ankle.

A downbeat chairman of selectors, Sir Richard Hadlee, said the prognosis for a quick return was not good and the young Canterbury speedster could be out for up to six weeks.

If Hadlee’s worst fears prove true, Bond would miss the entire Test and one-day series against the touring England side.

England face New Zealand in the first of five One-day Internationals Wednesday, followed by a three-match Test series starting in Christchurch on March 17.

The New Zealand selectors have called up untried Northern Districts fast bowler Ian Butler to take Bond’s place.

The inexperienced Butler, who impressed in two one-day warm-up matches against the tourists at the weekend, is regarded as a genuine prospect while only in his debut season of first class cricket.

Bond, who played well for New Zealand ‘A’ in India last year, was called into the senior side for the final two Tests against Australia in November.

He was the top wicket taker in the recently completed one-day triangular series involving Australia, South Africa and the Kiwis, claiming 21 wickets.

“It is the biggest call I have had to make since I’ve been a selector,” Hadlee said. “The one-day game has changed with the allowance of one bouncer an over and we wanted genuine pace to open the bowling.

“Bond was sensational in Australia and we believe Butler is the next best bowler we have available in New Zealand. He is certainly as fast as Bond.”

Hadlee said the selectors had taken advice from Bruce Blair, Butler’s provincial coach, who said the 21-year-old was better than his other fast bowlers, who include the recalled Daryl Tuffey.—Reuters