Cricket hero’s direct approach reflected in his book

Press, 29 August 1984, Page 44

Cricket hero’s direct approach reflected in his book

When Lance Cairns plays his cricket he displays a no nonsense, down to earth attitude to all aspects of his game. As a batsman the ball is there to be hit when the game demands, his bowling, usually economical and determined, is varied and interesting, and often most effective.

These characteristics come through in his autobiography, “Give it a Heave”. (Moa publications: 224 pp; $21.95). There is a no nonsense approach to telling his story, an economical use of words, a narrative told simply, easily read and straight forward in its unfolding.

It is a thoroughly enjoyable story, reflecting childhood days in Picton when his life revolved around sport, to the white heat atmosphere of the M.C.G. in 1980-81 at the height of the “underarm controversy” and New Zealand's outstanding success in the W.S.C. matches of that year. Cairns is very fair in all his comments throughout the book, and although he criticises Greg Chappell for his tactics at Melbourne, he goes to some length to give Chappell’s reasons for his behaviour, and praises him for his effort on the New Zealand tour of 1982 to heal any rifts which may have been caused during the previous year. Cairns is not quite so

generous towards the West Indians of 1980. He is particularly critical of Clive Lloyd and Willie Rodriguez,

the West Indian captain and manager of that unhappy tour, and the sour attitude of the West Indies. Yet it

was a great occasion in New Zealand cricket, and Cairns reproduces accurately the intensity of the Carisbrook test, displaying in clear descriptive writing the excitement of the final New Zealand innings, characteristically playing own his own contribution to the victory, while praising the efforts of his teammates.

As a man Cairns has a warm, friendly personality, and his comments on .other cricketers are likewise generous and appreciative without descending to the level of pettiness or nastiness characterised by some other contemporary cricket writers. His admiration of people such as Richard Hadlee and Jeremy Coney is noteworthy, and though he is critical at times of Geoff Howarth and Glenn Turner, he takes care to present a balanced appraisal of their performances. He could possibly have devoted some time to a deeper analysis of Turner’s contribution to New Zealand cricket. Cairns would know Turner as well as most people, yet he only touches on the subject. More could have been made of this theme, indeed should have been made. Turner’s efforts are still hotly debated, and it is time somebody spelt out clearly Turner’s greatness, first as a player, but equally as important in helping bring New Zealand into the realms of the modern cricket world, paving the way for the professional cricketer the benefits of which Cairns is presently enjoying. Cairns could have done this better.

Cricket readers always enjoy an insight into their heroes’ backgrounds, and while Cairns is careful to protect the privacy of his own and others’ personal lives, it was refreshing to learn that John Wright is

called “Shakes” because of his peculiar undressing and dressing habit, rather than for suspected reasons which may have had something to do with facing fast bowlers. Further, when Coney was called to Australia in 197374 to replace the injured Turner, he arrived with such shabby gear that Bob Vance, the New Zealand manager, gave him $lOO to improve his sporting appearance with a few judicious purchases. No one has recorded what Mr Vance said when Coney came back with a new 12-string guitar.

One disappointment for the serious statisticians of cricket is the rather abbreviated page of statistical data. In one page is listed 10 years of achievement, showing that Cairns has taken 429 wickets, average 25.96 and scored 3734 runs at 20.40 in all first-class cricket. His one-day international figures are summarised, but more could have been made of his career figures. Mention of overs and maidens bowled, at least, may have helped satisfy the purist. After all, Cairns has taken 115 wickets in tests, and with only four other New Zealand bowlers having reached 100 there is plenty of scope for statistical comparison.

The book is splendidly presented, attractive to look at and with 44 pages of photographs, many previously unpublished and eight printed in colour, a high interest is maintained throughout. The paper, binding and printing also adds to the book’s attractiveness and it should be a must for all cricket addicts’ bookshelves. The cry that will shortly ring out by fans when they examine “Give it a Heave” should be “I’ll buy that!” (Reviewed by NEVILLE SLAUGHTER)