Kyle Jamieson couldn't ask for a better role model as he bids to return from a back injury, calling on the expertise of former Blackcaps quick Shane Bond as he recovered from surgery.
Jamieson, 28, hasn't played an international since June 2022, when he suffered a back injury during the Blackcaps' 3-0 away series whitewash against England.
After recovering and making his comeback for Auckland in 50-over domestic cricket, Jamieson's back woes returned, preventing him featuring in the Blackcaps' home series against England.
The 2.03m fast bowler suffered a stress fracture, and was left needing surgery that ruled him out until next month's tour of the UAE and England.
But on his long road to recovery, Jamieson found a valuable sounding board in the shape of Bond - arguably New Zealand's greatest fast bowler that never was, who's all too familiar with the pitfalls of injury.
And with the pair both spending time in New Zealand after the Kiwi summer, Jamieson has been able to lean on Bond's expertise as he's worked his way back to full fitness.
"He's pretty much been across the whole thing," said Jamieson. "He was there for the first part before I had surgery, and he's been here for this part as well.
"It's been great to connect with him. It's been great to spend some time working on my game.
"Having his expertise has been super helpful. I'm very grateful he's been around, available and part of this journey."
Bursting onto the scene in 2001, Bond quickly became batters' nemesis in international cricket, only for his career to be blighted by injuries.
In just 18 tests, Bond took 87 wickets at an average of just over 22, coupled with 147 wickets in 82 ODIs at an average of 20.88.
Of all bowlers in test cricket to have sent down more than 2,500 deliveries, Bond sits second in terms of strike rates, taking a wicket every 38.7 balls.
But persistent injuries - including those of the back similar to Jamieson's - brought Bond's retirement in 2010, limited to only 120 games for his country across all formats.
Since, though, Bond has become a world-renowned bowling coach.
Working with the Blackcaps in the early 2010s, Bond was instrumental in the development of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, before joining the global Twenty20 circuit, across stints with Mumbai Indians and Sydney Thunder in coaching roles.
And with the perspective of Bond's struggles now ingrained into his own mindset, Jamieson isn't letting this run of injuries affect what he'll do in the future.
"I'm not the first bowler to have a back injury, I'm not the first bowler to have back surgery, I won't be the last.
"It's just part of the journey. In 10 years time when I reflect on my career, this will just be a blip in the road.
"It's just part of what we do, part of what we sign up for at times. Injuries are part of what we do."
Now, with his comeback in sight, Jamieson is looking ahead to this year's Cricket World Cup in India.
While the Blackcaps have likely lost captain Kane Williamson, and definitely lost all-rounder Michael Bracewell, their fast bowling stocks are stronger than ever.
Trent Boult's availability, along with the likes of Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne - in combination with the spin-friendly conditions likely awaiting them - will give stiff competition for places come October.
For Jamieson, yet to taste the same success in ODI cricket (11 wickets at 26.90) as he has in tests (72 wickets at 19.45), targeting the World Cup has been key in his road to recovery.
"It's been a big driver for me, whilst knowing the rehab process and selection will dictate whether I'm there or not," he said.
"When I got home from the UK over a year ago, it was the thing that was getting me out of bed each day.
"Being part of a pinnacle event with a number of guys that I love playing with has been a driver. I'm not afraid to admit that.
"Whilst knowing it's not guaranteed - selection will dictate whether I'm there or not. It's been a big driver on this journey."
