Bond return highlight for New Zealand A

A stunning return to international cricket from quick bowler Shane Bond was a highlight for New Zealand A during a gruelling day in the field on day one of their tournament match in India.

Bond captured a wicket with his first ball in national colours since late 2007 – and went on to capture three wickets for an economical 26 runs.

New Zealand A is playing a Combined Districts XI in the second round of the Buchi Babu All-India Invitation Tournament in Chennai. Combined Districts reached 359 for 8 in their maximum 90 overs.

New Zealand A will bat tomorrow [Thursday].

New Zealand lost the toss and were put into the field. Bond opened the bowling and skittled Sargunam with his first delivery, and had a second wicket soon after – the batting side reeling at two down for 10.

Combined Districts recovered strongly, however, with Karthik and Kumar putting on 183 for the third wicket. Tim Southee and Kane Williamson struck back for the New Zealanders, taking three quick wickets, and with Bond taking his third scalp, the Districts side was 243 for 6 at tea.

Another 100-run partnership between Sriram and Sivakumar saw Combined Districts through most of the final session, before Kyle Mills and Aaron Redmond took a late wicket each.

Bond’s three wicket bag was the best of the New Zealand bowling attack, while Williamson was also economical for his two for 38.

Short Scorecard:
Combined Districts 359 for 8 in 90 overs (Kumar 95, Karthik 86, Sivakumar 70 n.o., Sriram 48; Bond 3/26, Williamson 2/38, Mills 1/40, Southee 1/32, Redmond 1/52)