Bond returns to take on Sri Lanka

One-day international, Christchurch:
New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Match starts 2200 GMT

New Zealand will be boosted by extra firepower supplied by Shane Bond when their one-day series against Sri Lanka continues in Christchurch.

Bond was rested for the first two games but returns with the series tied at 1-1 with three to play.

The Kiwis have a squad rotation policy and Bond said: "The team and management have all bought into it.

"We're looking to build a squad for the World Cup and need to have 15 players capable of taking part and winning."

New Zealand left it late to do so in the last game at Queenstown, where number 11 Michael Mason hit the last ball for four to clinch a one-wicket victory.

"I felt for him because it would have been me batting at 11 if I'd been playing. I'm just happy that he walked down [the wicket], hit the ball over the bowler's head and won the game," said Bond.

All-rounder Nathan Astle also returns to the squad after recovering from a bruised thigh, but the selectors have decided to extend skipper Stephen Fleming's break, so Daniel Vettori will again lead the team.

"We wanted a sort of mini-series for Dan so he had something worth planning and playing for," coach John Bracewell explained.
Opposite number Tom Moody, meanwhile, has been the subject of recent speculation about the job of coaching Australia when John Buchanan gives up the job following the World Cup in April.

Moody's contract with Sri Lanka expires at the end of May and Sri Lanka Cricket president Jayantha Dharmadasa is keen to persuade him to renew it.

"We need him to continue the good work he is doing. He has teamed up well with the players and the cricket administration unlike coaches of the past that had to leave because of certain differences," he said.

"Both parties are happy with each other and we are working together cordially. The players are happy with him. So I don't see any reason why he should want to leave us."

He added: "We can't match what India, Australia and England can offer him. He might ask for a bigger fee. Depending on how we fare at the World Cup that might also be possible."