NZ duo rested for final CH match

New Zealand’s two best bowlers, Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori, will be rested for tomorrow’s final one-day match against Australia in Hamilton.

The duo will skip the dead rubber as a precaution ahead of the World Cup next month. Both pulled up with minor injuries after Sunday’s thrilling five wicket victory over Australia in Auckland, Vettori with slight discomfort in his back and Bond with a tight hamstring.

Although neither injury is serious, with the Chappell-Hadlee series already won, the fitness of the pair would not be risked so close to cricket’s most important tournament.

Bond and Vettori will be replaced by James Franklin and Jeetan Patel for the final match.