London, Apr. 5 : Taking a u-turn from his ‘never play for New Zealand again’ stance, retired Kiwi pacer Shane Bond has expressed desire to don the Black Cap once again.

Bond, who is training hard to get into shape, is planning a return to first class cricket for Canterbury next season.

The fiery fast bowler, whom batsman across the world feared facing, had joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) two years ago, halting his international career abruptly.

Bond said he would like to represent his national team in the longer version of the game, if given an opportunity.

“I miss that cricket; even though it''s the hardest cricket, it''s the most rewarding, and that''s why I''d like to play again next summer here,” The Sunday Star Times quoted Bond, as saying.

With the stalemate between the ICL and the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) softening, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) believed to be thinking over giving an official recognition to the ICL, Bond may well be on course of his way back to the Kiwi team.

Moreover, the financially struggling ICL is considered to have been planning to release players like Bond from their contracts to cut costs.

When enquired about the non payment to players in the ICL, Bond said: “There are a few issues but I''m not going to go into them.”

Bond, however, knows that his return would not be easy, and it would require a continuous, and splendid performance to force his way back into the team. (ANI)