Wednesday, April 26 2006 10:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Fast bowler Shane Bond was forced off New Zealand's tour of South Africa on Tuesday (Apr 26, 2006) with a knee injury.

The 30-year-old has been told to rest for four to six weeks and will not play for English county club Gloucestershire either this season.

"It would have been great to have him here, but when you make signings there is a chance of this sort of thing happening," Gloucestershire coach Mark Alleyne said. "Our season is not built around his being here or not here, so we'll cope with it."

The side is now looking to recruit an overseas batsman to replace Bond. "I think we will use up our quota of two overseas players - we just need to look at our options," he added.

"With the season starting last week, we know a bit more about our guys now, and it will just be a case of sitting down and pencilling in a few names.

'Shane wasn't due to arrive until late May'

"Shane wasn't due to arrive until late May, so we were kind of geared up to play without him until then and we're in no rush to sort out a replacement."

Bond, who has taken 64 wickets in 14 Tests, was forced to withdraw from his contract with Warwickshire in 2003 due to a stress fracture of the back.

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: "We believe he would have a made a significant difference on and off the field for us.

"We now need to find a replacement and, in doing so, will consider the balance of the team."