Shane Bond is included in New Zealand Cricket's list of 20 players to be offered central contracts from August.

The 34-year-old fast bowler, who is all set to return to the international fold, lost his place in the national set-up 18 months ago, after electing to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL), but has earned a reprieve after severing ties with that competition.

"Shane Bond is confident he can continue to contribute to the Black Caps," said NZC general manager Geoff Allott.

"He has performed well in the shorter form of the game at domestic level - while his international track record is outstanding."

The much-changed list features six players awarded central contracts for the first time - while Scott Styris, Aaron Redmond, Jamie How, Mark Gillespie, Peter Fulton, James Marshall and Michael Mason have been axed.

Brent Arnel, Neil Broom, Grant Elliott, Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill and Ian Butler are the new names in the line-up.

"The list reflects the way players like Guptill, McIntosh, Elliott, Broom and Butler have already demonstrated their value at international level," Allott added.

Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner explained Fulton, Styris, How and Redmond were in close contention for places, but just came up short.

"Some experienced players have missed out as a result of new players forcing their way into the top 20 - and that's a good sign for the game," he said.

"Players who have missed out on contracts have the opportunity to play their way into the Black Caps in the domestic season, or through the A team and Emerging Players tours, and most can expect to pick up leading contracts with major associations."

New Zealand's central contract list for the year August 1 2009 to July 31 2010: Brent Arnel, Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Tim McIntosh, Chris Martin, Kyle Mills, Iain O'Brien, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori.