Shane Bond

Wellington, Dec 23 NZPA - New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has announced his retirement from test cricket.

The injury-prone 34-year-old missed two tests against Pakistan this month after tearing an abdominal muscle and was told it would take longer to heal than first thought.

Bond today said he would remain available for one-day cricket, but putting an end to the longer version of the game was a difficult decision.

"The hardest thing is that I've always considered myself a test bowler, and it was such a great feeling to be back in the team last month and playing test match cricket with the Black Caps," he said.

Bond took eight wickets in his 18th and final test against Pakistan in Dunedin, lifting his career haul to 87 at a world class average of 22.09.

His test career was dogged by injuries, and his appearance in the Dunedin test was his first at that level in two years after he joined the unsanctioned Twenty 20 Indian Cricket League.

Bond said he had worked hard to return to full fitness. "But looking back, so many of my injuries have come during test cricket. Unfortunately my body just won't let me continue to play at that level, given the workload and demands of test cricket."

Remaining open to selection for only the one-day side meant the chances of him being able to continue his international career were higher.

"I don't want to end on an injury and I am absolutely committed to playing for the Black Caps."

Bond said the focus was now on being fit for New Zealand's limited overs matches against Australia, starting with two Twenty20 internationals in late February.

Meanwhile, his abdominal injury recovery was going well and he aimed to be playing club cricket by late January, and provincial cricket the following month.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he was disappointed, but understood Bond's decision.

"Shane really showed his never-say-die attitude in his comeback this season, especially in the test match against Pakistan -- and I know how tough this decision has been for him," Vaughan said.

He said Bond remained one of the best fast bowlers in the international game.

NZPA WGT co md