Bond misses first Test

Bond bowled 16 overs against Kent, taking one wicket

New Zealand bowler Shane Bond will definitely miss the first Test against England, starting on Thursday.

He did not figure on Sunday against Kent after suffering the effects from bowling earlier in the tour game.

And New Zealand coach John Bracewell admitted their best hope was for Bond to be fit for the second match.

Bracewell said: "Shane is struggling with his fitness and so we are staying with our original plan. He's still on target for the second Test."

The fast bowler spent most of last year out of action with a back injury.

Bracewell added: "He has suffered from fatigue, tiredness and muscle stiffness but there is no structural problems and that is a huge relief to us."

Kent beat New Zealand

He was more upbeat about captain Stephen Fleming, who has missed two tour games with a groin strain.

Bracewell told BBC Radio Five Live: "Stephen is good. We are confident he will play."

And he played down their nine-wicket loss to Kent.

"We haven't had a lot of practice outdoors so while we came into the match trying to win it, we have been beaten by a side which put it together on the day," Bracewell said.

"I think Kent played very good, disciplined cricket, which is why they are one of the top teams in county cricket."