BRISBANE, Australia (Reuters)
New Zealand's preparations for the triangular limited overs series in Australia has started badly after fast bowler Shane Bond was taken to hospital suffering from dehydration.

Bond was rushed from the field during the warm-up match against Australia A.

"He's just having some treatment at the hospital," New Zealand team manager Jeff Crowe told Reuters on Tuesday.

"He's fine, he'll be returning to the ground. He's unlikely to play again today, although he may have to bat. The doctor said he should be fine for Friday. The heat won't be quite as bad in Melbourne. We'll see."

The limited overs series that includes Australia and South Africa starts on Friday when Australia host New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Crowe said Bond had gradually shown signs of distress and accepted advice to seek medical assistance after bowling four overs in Tuesday's day-night match at the Gabba in Brisbane against Australia A.

"He just slowly got worse and came off," Crowe said.

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