Bond puts in plenty of effort

"When he played for us, people couldn't lay a bat on him. He bowled at the stumps and got a lot of his wickets through sheer pace," remembers Oliver.

"He came over with his girlfriend, who is now his wife, and soon fitted in. Some professionals are quite aloof, especially if they have family with them, but he was fantastic.

"He did a lot of coaching with the kids and we are still feeling the benefit of that.

On the beat

Bond's cricket career had to be put on hold when he returned home to Christchurch, when he was told he had been accepted for police training.

He missed the 1999-2000 season as a result and had to work to regain his rhythm when he reported for training with Canterbury for last winter's New Zealand domestic programme.

His batting needs some work

"I am playing for enjoyment now," he said.

"My cricket definitely improved in England and now I just want to do well for Canterbury and pick up some wickets."

New Zealand were blighted by a major injury crisis last year and had to find replacements for Matthew Horne, Chris Cairns, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Geoff Allott and Scott Styris for a tour to South Africa.

The situation eased during 2001 and they were able to travel to Australia with virtually a full strength squad.

Debut delight

But Nash broke down with a side strain and this time it was Bond who was sent out to deputise.

Bond had plenty to celebrate after his Test debut in a rain-ruined match in Hobart as Australian captain Steve Waugh became his first victim, trapped lbw for a duck.

Out: Justin Langer walks in Perth

"We were all made up when he made the Test squad. I stayed up to watch him make his debut and he bowled one ball at Shane Warne which made me wince," says Oliver.

Bond underlined his potential as a strike bowler by dismissing Matthew Hayden cheaply in the first innings and Justin Langer in the second in the final Test at Perth.

Success in the one-day game is a stepping stone as Bond tries to hang onto his place for the three Tests against England.

And although he would love nothing more than to knock over Nasser Hussain, Marcus Trescothick, Mark Ramprakash and co, he is still doing his bit for English cricket.

"I'm in contact with him by e-mail," says Oliver.

"We're trying to sign a professional for next summer and he's been recommending people to us."