Cairns out of first Test, may be available for second

Lynn McConnell

November 30, 2002

India will be able to factor the dangers posed by Chris Cairns out of their plans for at least the first Test of their National Bank series with New Zealand starting on December 12.

Cairns is unavailable for the first Test in Wellington, although he may be available for the second Test starting a week later in Hamilton.

The world-class all-rounder is wary of committing himself too soon to the physical workloads needed after his recovery from knee surgery earlier this year after feeling he came back too quickly after another operation to play in Australia last year.

Cairns only bowled five overs for Canterbury as he slowly worked his way back into the game in their match with Otago yesterday in Dunedin.

The news was not new to selection chairman Sir Richard Hadlee and he said that Cairns had told him some time ago that he was targeting the first One-Day International against India on Boxing Day as his comeback time.

However, he subsequently told Hadlee that he would like to be considered for the second Test.

Time is short for Cairns to get the required bowling behind him before the match so there may be a temptation to leave him until the one-day series as the most important role he is to play this summer is in New Zealand's World Cup plan. However, he is still going to lead New Zealand in the Super Max International against India in Christchurch on Wednesday. But whether that is as a batsman only will be decided on the day.

Andre Adams will also not be ready for the Test series while he recovers from the stress fracture in his back, his recovery prospects also having been diminished due to the suspension he received in club play last weekend which denied him an outing for Auckland against Northern Districts.

Their absence from Test consideration has livened the race to join Shane Bond in the Test attack. Daryl Tuffey and Ian Butler appeal as the most likely prospects while Scott Styris is almost assured of playing his first Test match at home.

That would give New Zealand a useful attack of Bond, Tuffey, Butler, Styris and Daniel Vettori. Canterbury's Chris Martin could force his way into the frame with some good bowling in the two State Championship matches available to him.

© Cricinfo

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