Busy Bond finally able to cool off after hectic schedule

Shane Bond isn’t complaining about the heavy frosts which have coated Christchurch in recent days.

A week ago the former Black Caps fast bowler and bowling coach was roasting on the subcontinent as the Mumbai Indians prepared to beat the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League final in Kolkata. Now he is rugging-up as the sub-zero overnight temperatures signal the New Zealand winter is fast approaching.

Bond, who began his role as Mumbai’s bowling coach after the World Cup final between the Black Caps and Australia in Melbourne on March 29, will return to work under Ricky Ponting later this year but in the short-term aims to enjoy the routine of life at home.

‘‘In Kolkata it was 42-43degC leading in the days leading into the final and 90 per cent humidity,’’ Bond says.

‘‘So it was like an oven and then you return home to a frost. It is nice to have a sweatshirt on because I haven’t had one on for two months.’’ His short-term goals are simple. He wants to spend time with wife Tracey and their three children, and is going to organise a gettogether for his 40th birthday next month.

He isn’t a skier, so there is no chance of heading towards the mountains.

Once his tan has faded he will look at his calendar and meet some cricket contacts before rejoining Mumbai.

‘‘There is a lot of speculation around the Champions League, but there will be some sort of tournament in September. That is probably my next port of call with Mumbai, but other than that I haven’t got anything on the schedule. I will have to find something to do, hopefully with cricket.’’

Bond made the decision to leave his role as the Black Caps bowling coach after being recruited by former Australian captain Ponting.

There can be no doubt the money was attractive but spending more time with family had immense appeal. The IPL lasts for just seven weeks, while being on international duty can mean being away for months.

Bond was aware of the responsibilities that come with an IPL contract, having represented the Kolkata Knight Riders as a player. And the heat was on the coaches after Mumbai made a sluggish start to their season.

‘‘There is huge pressure because the team is privately owned and there is an expectation that you have got to perform,’’ Bond reflected.

‘‘You certainly knew you were under the pump but we just had to stay calm and always said we had the players to win the tournament.’’

The arrival of Black Caps fast bowler Mitch McClenaghan boosted the side’s firepower and once the coaches settled on combinations their men steamed into the playoffs.

Mumbai won the final by 41 runs in front of 66,000 fans at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. One memory that lingers for Bond was the way supporters flocked to hotels and venues.

‘‘When we get out of the hotel lifts to go to the grounds, the foyer was packed with people taking photos and when you are in the bus you can see fans lined-up down the road.

‘‘The last three months, in particular, have been surreal really. I have been lucky.’’