Injury-prone Bond fears career will be over in 2-3 years

New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) Revealing that constant breakdowns have taken a toll on his 31-year-old body, Kiwi pace spearhead Shane Bond fears his career will be over in the next two-three years.

''I started late and I knew that my career was not going to be very long anyway. So, it all depends on the fitness but I see myself bowling for another two-three years only,'' Bond told reporters at a media session here.

''I am not going to beat my body to pieces. Agreed that I have become a little bit smarter now after bowling at the international level for quite some time but if my body does not allow me, I won't continue,'' he added.

The speed merchant, who likes to keep things simple, said he would be looking to touch the 150 kmph mark in the Chamnpions Trophy but that would depend on the match practice he gets.

''Obviously I will be aiming to touch 150 but that needs match practice. We have got a couple of practice matches coming up and I would be looking to regain my rhythm in those games,'' he said.

The policeman from Canterbury, who has been out of action since picking up a knee injury, seemed unconcerned about the placid and batting friendly wickets in India and said he had his plans in place to counter that aspect.

''I know the pitches here are going to be very batting-friendly but this is same for most pitches around the world. So, I am not overly concerned. Moreover, it's just a matter of adjusting to the conditions,'' he said.

The pacer, considered by many to have the cleanest action among his contemporaries like Australian Brett Lee and Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar, also revealed the planning that goes behind his bowling.

''I just try to keep things simple and concentrate on my line and length while remaining fast. Of course, even I get hit around and batsmen try to have a go at me but I think in that kind of a situattion the chances of grabbing a wicket go up as the batsman is bound to end up making some mistakes,'' he explained.

The Kiwi pacer has spent his rehabilitation training with a boxing coach and Bond says this has helped him strenghthen his body.

''Training with a boxing coach has helped me. I have a more open-chested action now, which is obviously good for me because earlier I used to hold myself back,'' he said.

Having to sit out of the team because of the injuries, Bond said it has been hard but that phase is now a thing of past for him.

''Injuries have been frustrating but I can't help it. The best that I can do is give my best when I am fit and that's what I will be trying to do here,'' he said.

The bowler, who grew up idolising Richard Hadlee, said having the legendary pacer as a selector has helped him improve himself.

''Richard was my hero during my growing up days. I speak to him on a regular basis and having his brother as my coach is the best I could have asked for. They give me tips on ways to improve myself,'' he said.

Despite having won the Champions Trophy once, New Zealand never really managed to create the buzz about them but Bond said the Blackcaps are expected to perform well back home and even they find themselves under pressure.

''The pressure is always there because everybody knows that we have a talented side and people in New Zealand want us to do well.

We have done well and have made several final and semifinal appearances in a lot of big tournaments. And it is not as if there are no expectations on us,'' he said.

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