Chris Cairns: I'm happy to work hard for my place

The fact that I have been put on notice by the New Zealand selectors can only be a healthy sign for New Zealand cricket.

John Bracewell is spot on when he says we are moving into unchartered territory with regards to my career and how quickly I will hit my straps after long breaks.

We haven't had to deal with this situation before and I'm going to quickly find out what I'm capable of.

I've been involved in New Zealand cricket for 16 years now and for about 80 per cent of that time the problem has always been who to pick rather than who to leave out.

The test of any great sporting organisation is not so much in its starting team but in the strength of its bench.

There is so much one-day cricket these days, injuries invariably occur and you need a strong squad.

If we can get a group of 14 players and beyond that are all capable of producing great things for the team, then we are moving in the right direction.

With guys like Jacob Oram and Shane Bond coming back, we're in a position where we have genuine bowling options rather than having to turn to bits-and-pieces bowlers like we have done in the past.

I remain committed to New Zealand cricket and, if selected, intend to play through to the World Cup in 2007.

I have kept my hand in this winter through the tsunami relief games in England and half-a-dozen games for Lashings.

The onus is now clearly on me. Ultimately I have been, and always will be, judged by contributions both on and off the field, not by reputation. I wouldn't have it any other way.

There has been much discussion of late surrounding the new rules for one-day internationals.

My take on the subject probably mirrors what most of the players are thinking.

With the new substitution rules, winning the toss plays far too big a part in deciding the match.

I would advocate a law change towards naming 12 before the toss and then deciding who your sub was going to be after you've learned whether you will be in the field or batting first.

The substitution concept is a wonderful idea but both teams need to be able to use it to their advantage.

The rules are up for review in 10 months, but I don't think anybody would complain if this change was made immediately.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY