Kiwis pace cupboard bare with retirements of Bond, O'Brien

Wellington (New Zealand), Dec. 24 (ANI): The recent retirements from test cricket of Shane Bond and Iain O'Brien has left the New Zealand pace cupboard bare.

According to stuff.co.nz, Chris Martin appears to be losing some of his spark, Tim Southee is inconsistent, Kyle Mills is unable to keep it together in test cricket, and Daryl Tuffey is still easing his way back into the big time.

With injuries a constant threat to bowlers taking the field, New Zealand needs to identify some players capable of making the step up, and fast.

James Franklin, provided his body holds up, is always a good option, but after that things are not so promising.

Brent Arnel and Ewan Thompson have been on the edge of national selection but are unlikely to scare international opposition, and the same applies to Trent Boult.

The likes of Neil Wagner (who is ineligible at present) and Corey Anderson are showing promise, but are not there yet.

The team has a winnable series against Bangladesh to try a few things, although it's more likely they will give their front line bowlers a decent workout before the Aussies come to town.

The selectors must make sure there is dependable back up options should another bowler need to take centre stage. (ANI)