Pacer Bond ready to turn out for Kiwis again

Wellington, June 7 (ANI): Fast bowler Shane Bond says that he is fit and ready to turn out for the New Zealand cricket team after advising the national body that he has terminated his association with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Bond, who had been exiled for 18 months after signing for the blacklisted ICL, now could be named in the New Zealand team as early as next month if he is picked to tour Sri Lanka in August.

According to the Sunday Star Times, Daryl Tuffey, another fast bowler, could join Bond. Craig McMillan has also quit the ICL, but is not expected to make himself available for internationals.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan told the Sunday Star-Times he had received documentation from the legal representatives of the three players yesterday.

"New Zealand Cricket may wish to take further legal advice on the matter but it does appear, on face value, that those three players have cut their ties with the ICL. As long as the documentation is as stated, we move ahead and the players are eligible for selection with fitness and form and all the usual selection criteria taken into account," Vaughan said.

National selector Glenn Turner said Tuffey and Bond would be considered for selection and the national panel "would look at them strongly".

The team to tour Sri Lanka will be named next month. (ANI)