10 Jan 2015

Black Caps in best shape heading into World Cup

6:21 pm on 10 January 2015

The Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond believes the national side is probably in the best shape he's seen, heading into a Cricket World Cup.

Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond

Black Caps bowling coach Shane Bond Photo: Photosport

Bond announced yesterday he's stepping down as bowling coach after the upcoming World Cup, when he'll take up a coaching role in the Indian Premier League with the Mumbai Indians.

The former New Zealand paceman says the decision to step down was a difficult one at a time when the team is enjoying a lot of success.

Bond says the depth of the side now is key and says if someone got injured they now have good cover.

"When you read pressers they're talking about who's left out I think that's the difference between previous world cups. You've had probably a solid 12 or 13 and it's always been a couple of contentious spots to fill but the depth or the strength of the squad is probably as good as I've seen it."

Shane Bond says because world cup prospects are so even amongst the top eight teams, the odd injury could make all the difference.