Former policeman Bond believes the force is with him

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, Mar 14 (Reuters) New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond said today his time in the police force has made him a better player, especially given his wretched injury record.

He was still a serving policeman during the last World Cup and had to take leave to play in the 2003 tournament.

''It was a good job. It was the making of me as a cricketer.

It forced me into tricky situations,'' the 31-year-old told reporters.

Bond has suffered a series of career-threatening injuries in recent years including a severe back problem but is confident he is now as fit as he can be ahead of their World Cup Group C opener with England on Friday.

''Nothing was ever broken, it was just a bit of stiffness,'' he said. ''I'm working hard to keep that in one piece. I was confident it wasn't anything major.'' Appearing in this World Cup was a main goal for Bond during his long injury layoffs, while his other great wish is finally to play a test at Lord's.

Despite his delight at being here, Bond agrees with other players that fast bowling may not be particularly effective on the slow Caribbean wickets.

''I'm probably a yard behind true express pace bowlers. It's not always about express bowlers. I'm quick enough,'' he said.

''It will be interesting to see the balance teams go with,'' he added, saying the side with the best bowling rather than batting depth could be the most successful.

Reuters DH VP0002