What if... Shane Bond was not injury prone?


image-l7xetm1hShane Bond [PC: Twitter]

Does it take just skillset to succeed in sports? 

No, not at all. When potential meets opportunity, it gives rise to success. 

We have witnessed many gifted cricketers burst onto the scene in grand style but sign off without notable figures. While some players fade away owing to poor form, some get victimised by fitness issues. 

Shane Bond was one such ace fast bowler who rose through the ranks exponentially but fell short of the legendary league by a fair margin because of his fragile body. 

In a career marred by injuries, Bond represented New Zealand in 120 international matches, scalping 259 wickets at an average of 21.37 and a phenomenal strike rate of 31.39. 

The numbers are incredible, aren't they? 

But have you ever thought what heights Bond would've achieved had he not been injury-prone?

Bond would've been the most successful ODI bowler against Australia

image-l7xevm08Bond always preserved his best for Australia [PC: Twitter]

If you have watched the ODI clashes between the Trans-Tasman rivals, Australia and New Zealand, in the 2000s, you would agree that Bond was the only bowler who always got the better of the invincible Australian lineup. 

Statistically, the fiery fast bowler picked 44 wickets in a mere 17 appearances against the mighty Aussies at an unbelievable strike rate of 21.48. Moreover, he had six four-wicket hauls against that Australian side, reverberating his unreal dominance over them. 

It took 49 matches for the legendary Wasim Akram to grab 67 wickets, the most by any bowler against Australia in ODIs. Fair to say, had Bond remained injury-free, he would've surpassed Akram's tally with ease. 

Bond would've been the first New Zealand bowler to scalp 40 wickets in ODI World Cups

image-l7xf2jycBond had two brilliant World Cups [PC: Twitter]

Shane Bond was extraordinary in ODI World Cups. The right-arm seamer grabbed 30 wickets in 16 outings in the marquee event, at a fabulous average of 17.26. 

Had he featured in another World Cup, he would have surely taken ten more wickets to become the first bowler from New Zealand with 40 wickets in the mega-event.

Bond would've had most wickets as a Kiwi pacer in ODIs

image-l7xezjsuBond was a fantastic ODI bowler [PC: Twitter]

Shane Bond was a prolific ODI bowler, picking 147 wickets in 82 outings at a stupendous average of 20.88. Currently, Kyle Mills is the most successful ODI pacer from New Zealand, with 240 wickets in 170 appearances. 

Considering Bond's wicket-taking ability, we can conclude that had he played a little more, he would've certainly finished his career as the most successful fast bowler from his country in the 50-over format. 


Also Read: ENG vs SA, 3rd Test: Stuart Broad becomes the second-highest wicket-taking pacer in Tests