Chris Cairns: Expectations are great but Jeff is worth his weight

The selectors have indicated that the three-match series against the World XI starting next week is a chance to see exactly where Jeff Wilson is at.

His numbers in the domestic game look OK, not startling, but there is something he possesses which is not statistically, or physically, measurable. Belief.

A window of opportunity has presented itself for Goldie, because had the cricket season gone to plan he may not have had the chance to don the national colours.

With his comeback hampered by injury over the past couple of seasons it has been somewhat of a stop-start affair with his ability to get any rhythm going non-existent, hence the inability to put numbers on the board. By that I mean statistics - scoring runs and taking wickets - and this, of course, is how selectors judge who will make the Black Caps.

In Goldie's case, however, they have looked outside the usual statistics and seem to have included in their assessment Jeff's other attributes as an international sportsman in another code.

These attributes are belief, confidence and experience, all of which cannot be taught.

Throughout Goldie's comeback I haven't played against him, so I'm looking forward to meeting up and seeing where he's at.

It is going to be a tough time for him because there will be a lot of expectation from the public. We all remember him as a great All Black but Jeff is now starting again from the bottom as a new international cricketer and I hope he is given the latitude to come to grips with his new environment.

I have huge respect for what Jeff has achieved as an All Black and to have taken himself out of his comfort zone of rugby and challenge himself again with cricket takes courage. I for one will be helping him in whichever way I can because having Jeff Wilson in the Black Caps can only be a good thing. Why? Because he's a champion.

Just a quick note on the World XI game in Melbourne during the week. It was a real honour to play in that game, but more importantly to raise $15 million for the victims of the tsunami was just awesome.

Playing in front of 80,000 at a packed MCG was a definite highlight of my career and the atmosphere was very unique. There was no "Aussie" chants or booing emanating from the boundary as you were fielding - it was just pure enjoyment from all who were participating or watching.

And there was a real camaraderie between the players from both teams. In particular the World team where a few Aussie boys and Black Caps didn't leave the dressing room till 2am! Great stories and great company all mixed up in a great cause.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY