In Shane Bond, New Zealand had a pace ace who could swing matches in their favour till he decided to switch loyalties to Indian Cricket League
NEW DELHI: In Shane Bond, New Zealand had a pace ace who could swing matches in their favour till he decided to switch loyalties to Indian Cricket League and the advantage may now shift to India with the speedster planning to groom pacers after hanging his boots.
The 33-year-old pacer, who is currently representing 'Delhi Giants' team in the ongoing ICL, is convinced that India has plenty of young talents but they should be tapped and nurtured in proper manner.
"I would play in the ICL probably for two more years as am still enjoying the game that has given me a nice career and financial security as well.
"After that I would like to get involved in coaching in this country which, I think, has scores of young cricketers with enormous talents. This young brigade can really make a difference if provided with proper training and guidance," Bond, who had bagged 79 wickets from 17 Tests, said.
Bond, who played his last Test in 2007 against South Africa, is quite impressed with how Team India's pace department have negotiated Australia's famed batting line up during the ongoing four-Test series here.
"I am very much following the India-Australia series and I think, the Indian pacers are doing really a commendable job. They are challenging everybody with their sharp bowling display," Bond, who has served his country for six years, said.
The right-arm pacer also had some words of praise for the Delhi-boy Ishant Sharma, besides Zaheer Khan and R P Singh.
"I would like to specially mention Ishant Sharma, who is looking terrific and giving trouble to all the batsmen by his well-thought out deliveries. I think he has a great future if he can maintain his show," Bond said.
The cricketer, whose career has been plagued with injuries, chiefly recurring stress fractures of the back, feels rapid emergence of Twenty20 format of the game will only put extra burden on the players, thus adding to their injury worries.
"Now cricketers are playing in these (T20) tournaments just for money, but they are not getting enough rest, which is quite important for pace bowlers. It's really a matter of concern that cricketers are facing injury problems after playing only for two-three years -- it's really harmful.
"In the coming years you will see more and more players retiring from Test cricket and opting for T20 tournaments," Bond said.
The New Zealander underwent a surgery in 2004 for his injuries, which was not fully successful. In recent years he has suffered back problems, knee injuries and an abdominal tear.
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