Bond returning to New Zealand for scan of back injury

Fast bowler Shane Bond is to return to New Zealand from Sri Lanka for an assessment and possible treatment of his back injury.

Bond was to have had an assessment done in Colombo but the decision to continue the one-day tri-series in Dambulla due to the unpredictable weather in Colombo has forced the hand of New Zealand Cricket.

There has been no improvement in the injury which forced Bond from the field during the first match in the series, halfway through his bowling stint in which he had bowled superbly to become the New Zealander to reach 50 One-Day International wickets in the fastest time.

He did not play in yesterday's loss to Sri Lanka and is expected to return to Christchurch as soon as arrangements can be made.

He will have an MRI scan to determine the specific nature of his injury. A programme of treatment will then be advised.

New Zealand will be keen, if at all possible, to have Bond fit for their tour of India later this year and for the home series against Pakistan and South Africa.

His return to New Zealand seems likely to mean an end to his prospects of playing country cricket for Warwickshire this year.