New Zealand pace spearhead Shane Bond has announced his retirement from Test cricket but will continue to play the shorter forms of the game.

Cricket New Zealand

The 34-year-old speedster made the decision after tearing an abdominal muscle in the recent Test series with Pakistan.

In an effort to keep his international career alive Bond said he would continue to represent the Black-Caps in one-day cricket, but admitted his departure from the Test arena was more premature than he had hoped.

“The hardest thing is that I've always considered myself a Test bowler, and it was such a great feeling to be back in the team last month and playing Test match cricket with the Black Caps,'' he said.

“I don't want to end on an injury and I am absolutely committed to playing for the Black Caps.”

Bond’s career was continually disrupted by injuries and with a tally of 87 wickets at an average of 22.09, he showed that when fit, he was one world cricket’s most devastating fast bowlers.

Bond said his latest injury was a major disappointment after working hard to return to full fitness.

“Looking back, so many of my injuries have come during Test cricket. Unfortunately my body just won't let me continue to play at that level, given the workload and demands of Test cricket, Bond said''

Bond said he is still hoping to be fit for New Zealand's limited overs matches against Australia, starting with two Twenty20 internationals in late February.