Kiwi coach Moles looking forward to pacer Bond's international cricket comeback

Wellington, Apr.8 (ANI): New Zealand cricket team coach Andy Moles says that he is looking forward to strike bowler Shane Bond's return to international cricket after he quits the unsanctioned ICL Twenty20 competition.

Bond has indicated that he plans to play a full season for Canterbury in 2009-10, not simply the limited overs competitions. And if the cash-strapped ICL folds he would again be available for international selection a year after cutting his ties with New Zealand Cricket.

Bond was barred from playing for New Zealand when he chose the rebel' ICL over the International Cricket Council (ICC) endorsed Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 33-year-old played the last of his 67 one-day internationals at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

The ICL cancelled its most recent tournament while there have been reports of players being offered a release from their contracts.

Marquee players like Bond have not been paid for more than a year.

Should the ICL continue there is a possibility it may be sanctioned by the ICC board at its meeting in Dubai on April 21, removing another obstacle to a Bond comeback.

"If he was available I'm sure the selectors would look favourably because he gives us that extra pace," the NZPA quoted Moles, as saying today.

Another ICL-aligned former international, Daryl Tuffey, who took 23 first-class wickets at an average of 18.91 for Auckland this season ahead of the State Championship final, also interested Moles.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan welcomed the prospect of ICL players eventually being welcomed back to the fold.

"You want your national team to include the very best players and I think it's quite clear we haven't been able to do that in recent times," he said.

Bond played the last of his 17 tests against South Africa in Johannesburg in November 2007. (ANI)