Relaunching Shane Bond

The background noise brings back to mind the unique pre-India tour preparation that coach Ashely Ross tried in 2003 to help his team acclimatise to the din of nearly a lakh at Eden Gardens. No headphones transmitting cacophony this time Bond says. 8220;Those days are gone. People have toured India enough and have got used to environment. Though I will add that nothing can match the atmosphere of a full stadium, especially in the sub-continent.8217;8217;

He is aware of the ground realities here 8220;The pitches are flat as expected. I know what lies ahead,8217;8217; he says. Bond, who was picked by Kiwi legend Richard Hadlee, knows a thing or two about fast bowling. 8220;I am a very different bowler than Hadlee. He banked on swing, while pace is the most important weapon in my armoury,8217;8217; he says.

Not too far sits S Sreesanth, India8217;s new pace hope. Ask him about the Champions Trophy and the World Cup later, he talks about butterflies in stomach and excitement of a new challenge 8212; 8220;Delivering when it matters most is important.8217;8217;

In about a month8217;s time both will be trying to find right method to perform in the madness of the high-profile contest.