Bond's Test comeback delayed

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond may be forced to delay his comeback to Test cricket because of a lack of match practice.

Bond, who returned to the New Zealand one-day team in September after losing his contract for joining the rebel Indian Cricket League, has not played a Test match since 2007.

The 34-year-old had hoped to make his test comeback against Pakistan next month but the national selectors are concerned that he has not played enough first-class cricket recently.

New Zealand captain and selector Daniel Vettori said Bond was wanted in the Test team but would have to play at least one first-class match just to be considered for the opener of the three-game series.

"We don't want to force him into it and realise we could set him back," Vettori told the New Zealand Press Association on Wednesday.

"He's going to need some four-day cricket and as soon as he gets that I think he's going to be able to put his hand up for selection."

Bond could play one four-day match before the first test starts in Dunedin on November 24 but the timing is tight.

The paceman is due to arrive back home from Dubai, where New Zealand play Pakistan in a one-day series, on November 15 and could turn out for Canterbury against Otago starting two days later.

"Whether that's the best thing to do or not, Shane is the best judge of that," Vettori said.

"If he plays in that first Canterbury game and goes well, the selectors will definitely look at him.