Lance Cairns, the king hitter

Press, 17 February 1984, Page 18

Lance Cairns, the king hitter

When Lance Cairns first played for New Zealand, he was an in-swing bowler with a peculiar action who could hit a few runs occasionally. Jfe was first loved by the crowds for his determination in the field. It is easy to picture him still, sliding about the third man boundary, intent on saving a run. His development on all fronts has been steady. He now has one which leaves the bat to go with his natural in-swing, and he has shouldered enormous bowl-

ing burdens, with his strength and stamina. Just this season Cairns became only the fifth New Zealand bowler to take 100 or more test wickets. He has earned world renown as a hitter. On his first tour of England in 1978, New Zealand was in a hopeless position in the second of the one-day matches. Cairns hit 60, including four superb sixes. In Australia last season Cairns was very effective against England’s bowlers. He

batted four times, for 108 runs, but they were made from 70 balls, and included nine fours and six sixes. In the second of the two finals, he made 52 from 25 balls, including six sixes. Both Rodney Hogg and Dennis Lillee had successive balls sent far over the fence. Cairns so far has made only one first-class century, but it was, almost inevitably, the fastest in the history of New Zealand cricket.

It was at Lower Hutt in January, 1980. Cairns came in with Otago seven down for 42. Within moments, it was eight for 48. Cairns batted only 24 minutes that afternoon, and faced 28 balls, but he was 68 not out, having reached his 50 from 22 balls. Ewen Chatfield had successive sixes hit off him, there were two in an over from Bruce Taylor, several from Evan Gray. Next morning the onslaught continued. Cairns made his century from 45 balls while his last partner, Graeme Thomson, watched in awe, 90 were made for the last wicket in 31 minutes. Altogether, Cairns scored 110, including nine sixes and 11 fours.