Fast bowler Shane Bond and batting mainstay Nathan Astle are still some way from gaining complete fitness to be part of the New Zealand cricket team which will be embarking on its next mission -- a tour to India -- in two months time.

Bond, who has been out of cricket since suffering a stress fracture in his back during a triangular series in Sri Lanka in May, is "progressing nicely" but will take some time before resuming bowling, said New Zealand Cricket's sports science medical co-ordinator Warren Frost.

"He's still on the comeback trail and is building up his work in the gym. He is still a little from being back bowling," Frost was quoted as saying by Wisden Cricinfo web site.

Although Astle has resumed his build-up to full fitness, his training will be stepped up this week, he said.

With no timeframe set for the duo's return, stand-in coach Ashley Ross said in case they fail to undertake the tour, players with international experience will be accommodated in the team.

New Zealand, who are scheduled to leave for India on September 23, will play two Tests and a triangular series, also involving world champions Australia, on the tour.