It's been an interesting time for New Zealand Cricket. Despite a brave showing in the 2010 World Twenty20 Championship, they failed to qualify for the semi-finals; however, their next assignment is a groundbreaking series in the United States, the first time that an international cricket match will be held on American soil. Unfortunately, New Zealand will have to embark on this pioneering venture without the services of their main strike bowler Shane Bond, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

This is a crippling blow for New Zealand in so many ways. Regardless of their perennial underdog status, the Black Caps have always produced world-class cricketers - Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Mark Greatbatch, and of course Sir Richard Hadlee - and Bond was right up there with them. In a country with small cricket grounds which encouraged some dynamic batting, Shane Bond was one of the few Kiwi bowlers capable of getting real pace and movement. Even when New Zealand found themselves on the losing end of games, Bond's figures would be one of their few consolations.

Given that New Zealand's pool of cricketers is so small, it's not surprising that Bond's storied battles with injury caught up with him. Fast bowling is a merciless and unforgiving trade - just ask Andrew Flintoff and Brett Lee, two masters of their art whose bodies could not handle the demands. Bond had able support from Iain O'Brien (also retired), Daryl Tuffey, Tim Southee, Chris Martin and Kyle Mills, among others, but injuries, selection consistency issues meant that Bond was forced to lead the New Zealand bowling attack more often than he should have. Something had to give, and it’s a credit to Bond that he made the decision himself, rather than spending more time in rehab than on the field.

New Zealand will soldier along, as they always do. The other fast bowlers will step up to the plate, and in time, new talent will ensure that New Zealand do not go down the same route as the West Indies. That said, Bond had a special aura about him - not too many bowlers can say that they achieved a hat-trick against Australia - and cricket, both New Zealand and international, will miss him.