As if life on the flood plain wasn't enough of a gamble, Worcestershire appear to have abandoned themselves almost entirely to fate.

The club has now opened talks with representatives of New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond with a view to him signing as overseas player for the 2008 season.

There is no doubting Bond's ability. He is blessed with extreme pace, can move the ball both ways, is splendidly accurate and a fine fellow to boot. When fit, he would be an asset to any side.

But there's the rub. Bond is seen as rarely as Halley's comet. Aged 32, he has played just 54 first-class games in a 12-year career and suffered from so many aches, injuries, fractures and strains that, were he a horse, he'd surely be in a jar of glue.

To take a chance on one injury plagued bowler may be considered reasonable, but to maintain three is surely bordering on the reckless. If Bond joins Worcestershire, and no deal has been done as yet, he will join Simon Jones and Matt Mason in the queue for the physio's table at New Road. In the last 12 months, the trio managed eight first-class games between them.

And, it must be noted, none will be on 'pay as you go' contracts. Conservative estimates of their pay would total over £200,000. For a club in financial difficulty, that is quite a risk. The club may also need to invest in a stair lift in order to get them up the steps in the pavilion.

It is easy to see why Worcestershire would be tempted. Bond's Test record is exceptional: 79 wickets at 22 apiece and a strike-rate of 39 deliveries per-wicket stands comparison with the best the game has known.

He is also, in theory, available. His decision to sign a three-year deal with the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League has effectively ended his international career after just 17 Tests (in seven years) and he has few commitments after April 6.

Worcestershire should, however, reflect on Bond's reasons for joining the ICL. A lack of confidence in his own fitness was surely a factor and the need for one final pay-day, playing Twenty20 cricket rather than anything longer, was too good to miss.

Worcestershire should also remember that Bond has signed county contracts three times previously. Twice he didn't even make it to the country without pulling up injured, the other time he managed three games. The chances of him remaining fit for an entire season are minimal.

"We have contacted Shane's agent and we are trying to fully assess the situation because he has ICL commitments," Worcestershire's chief executive, Mark Newton confirmed. "From him being on our radar it has moved on to the situation where we are now talking with his representative. The fact he would be available all season is clearly attractive, hence the approach to see exactly what the situation is.

"He has an injury record but clearly is a very fine bowler when he is playing.

"We are aware we already have an attack which has some risk attached to it because of injuries. But on the upside if it fires on all cylinders it is going to be a very strong attack.

"Perhaps this season fate will be on our side. We had a bad time last year with all the floods but maybe our luck will turn this season.

"What is clear is if Shane is fit and interested, then you have got to talk to players of that calibre." n Former South Africa international Nicky Boje has been appointed captain of North-amptonshire for the 2008 season.