Wellington, Dec 08: Fast bowler Shane Bond and batsman Nathan Astle will not be considered for the first Test of New Zealand's home cricket series against Pakistan this month because of "long-term" injuries, coach John Bracewell said today. Captain Stephen Fleming and wicketkeeper Robbie Hart, who were suffering "short-term" injuries, would likely be included in the team named Friday after playing in domestic matches later this week, he said.

Astle has a knee injury and, while he was able to train and to bat without discomfort, he suffered pain when running or turning, Bracewell said.

The gritty right-hander, who holds the world record for the fastest double century in Tests, would not be considered until the effects of his ligament injury were cleared. "Nathan will not be considered till he gets himself back into the necessary condition to play and then reaches full match fitness," Bracewell said.

Bond has suffered a recurrence of a lower back injury which kept him out of action for almost six months after New Zealand's tour to Sri Lanka in May.

Bracewell said bond could not bowl without pain.

"As soon as the pain in his back is gone we can concentrate on building him back into shape," he said.

Fleming, who missed a one-day series in Pakistan which ended yesterday, is recovering from an abdominal strain. He will play for his Wellington provincial side in a first-class match against Canterbury starting Friday. Bureau Report