An integral part New Zealand's success depends on Cairns Click here for more on this story Posted: Friday May 21, 1999 03:40 PM   Chris Cairns has scored more than 1,500 runs over his 10-year career. AP CARDIFF (Reuters) -- If New Zealand continues to prosper in the World Cup, their success is likely to be inextricably entwined with the form of all-rounder Chris Cairns. Cairns does not turn 29 until next month, but he has been on the international stage for 10 years and has scored more than 1,500 runs and taken in excess of 100 wickets in test cricket. Yet for a player of his acknowledged talent Cairns is seen as an under-performer -- he averages 27 with the bat and 32 with the ball, figures that do not do justice to his talent. Roger Twose deservedly won the man-of-the-match award for his unbeaten 80 in New Zealand's five-wicket win over Australia on Thursday. But Cairns's 60 from 77 balls was just as important and in its own way a minor masterpiece. He twice hit Shane Warne out of the ground and over the trees and conclusively won his duel with the great Australian wrist-spinner. Because of his height, strength and correct technique Cairns is able to score fast without taking risks. "Chris Cairns is a talented player and he played well today," said Australian captain Steve Waugh on Thursday. "Not everybody is capable of hitting the ball as he did." It has become accepted wisdom in New Zealand that Cairns does not bowl and bat well in the same match and after his bowling on Thursday a big innings was on the cards. Although he has worked hard on his action with the help of the team's technical adviser, Cairns conceded 44 from his seven overs. "Maybe I'm trying too hard," he said. "Maybe I should be more relaxed, it's not through lack of trying." Australia's 213 for eight looked short of a competitive total but when Cairns joined Twose at the crease, Waugh's side had reduced New Zealand to 49 for four and Glenn McGrath was in full cry. "We just had to overcome the initial five overs," Cairns said. "They were pretty full on, we just had to try get through that. "Glenn McGrath bowled really well and we just had to keep Warne out." Beating Australia in any sport is particularly satisfying for New Zealanders and an upset win over their cricket team is just about as good as it gets. "They are never down and never out and they are always going to come back," said Cairns. "We just had to keep going. It's pretty sweet and pretty special." Another key element in the New Zealand success was the bowling of their lively young left-armer Geoff Allott. For the second game in a row he got rid of both openers cheaply and this time he returned to pick up two further wickets, including that of Michael Bevan who is widely regarded as the best one-day batsman in the game. Because of Allott, Australia did not get away to a good start and could not accelerate at the end and his figures of four for 37 from 10 overs were vital to the victory. "It was the first win over Australia for me," he said. "The Duke is a great ball to bowl with, to be honest. It does offer quite a bit of assistance over the first five overs or so." New Zealand now take on West Indies while Australia, who looked in disarray in the latter stages of Thursday's game, play Pakistan. "We played poorly," said Waugh. "We've got three games to get it right or we go home."   Related information Stories New Zealand upsets Australia by five wickets Australia to face stronger Kiwi lineup New Zealand defeats Bangladesh by six wickets Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI. Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines.