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Chris Cairns

Chris Cairns

Age 56New ZealandNEW ZEALAND
Right Handed All Rounder

Power was never in short supply when Chris Cairns walked to the crease or charged in with the ball. A destructive right-hand batter and lively fast-medium bowler, Cairns had the ability to change a game in a matter of overs and became one of New Zealand's most dangerous all-rounders.


Cairns made his Test debut against the West Indies at Perth in 1989 and spent much of the early part of his career establishing himself as a genuine all-round option. His ability with the ball developed alongside his batting, and he became particularly effective when given the freedom to attack. By the late 1990s, he had established himself as one of the most important players in New Zealand's side.


His finest moments came on the biggest stages. At the 1999 World Cup, Cairns played a key role in New Zealand's run to the semi-finals, contributing with both bat and ball. A year later, he produced one of the defining performances of his career in the Champions Trophy final against India in Nairobi. Chasing 265, Cairns smashed an unbeaten 102 to guide New Zealand home and win the Player of the Match award.


Four years later, he became only the sixth player to complete the double of 3,000 Test runs and 200 wickets, joining an elite group of all-rounders. Cairns retired from Test cricket in 2004 and brought his international career to a close in 2006. He was later honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to cricket.

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