Cricket: Departure of Cairns is an allround loss

CAPE TOWN - New Zealand cricket allrounder Chris Cairns will be missed for his on and off-field contribution when he returns home tomorrow, coach David Trist says.

Cairns will play his last game of the tour at Newlands in Cape Town today as New Zealand go into the final match of the one-day series 0-4 down against South Africa.

The 30-year-old star allrounder will return home to recover from his chronic right knee injury, hopefully in time for the Boxing Day test at the Basin Reserve against Zimbabwe.

Trist said the loss of Cairns, who almost single-handedly led New Zealand to their win in the ICC Knockout Trophy final over India last month, would be badly felt.

"Quite clearly he adds so much, not only in the batting and bowling departments but also off the field with the young players.

"His presence and the way he imposes himself now on the international stage with the opposition ... they know he's world class and that gives us a confidence that spreads quite quickly through the rest of the side."

Cairns said he had felt a responsibility to the team to try to battle through his knee problem because they were already badly hit by injury.

He is the third frontline bowler to leave the tour. Dion Nash and Daniel Vettori both left during the month-long Zimbabwe series in September.

"With Dion and Daniel out I had to try and give it every opportunity," Cairns said. "With the one-dayers you can hobble through them, but in a test match you just can't.

"I've got to be able to bowl 30 overs in an innings and there's just no way I could."

Cairns hoped to play as much of the home series as possible this summer, but surgery was possible at the end of the season which could see him out until the end of next year.

He admitted it was tough leaving the tour after nearly 12 weeks away, with still six to go.

"It's disappointing because I know how hard it's going to be for the guys. I'd love to be here to lend a hand."

Trist said Cairns and others from the one-day squad - Chris Nevin, Roger Twose, Geoff Allott and Chris Harris - who also return home tomorrow, were all motivated for a big final game.

New Zealand again came close to gaining the elusive win on South African soil on Thursday before Lance Klusener pulled the home side through by six wickets.

Trist believed the team were due a change of fortune to provide a timely boost for the test squad.

"It's a great venue, and it would be ideal because it sets up a positive feel for those staying behind," Trist said. "It's about time we had a change of luck."

New Zealand's test squad additions - Mark Richardson, Mathew Sinclair, Kerry Walmsley and newcomer Chris Martin - joined the side last night.

Trist hoped they would add some freshness, particularly with the competition for vacant bowling spots.

"Nobody will lift the side like Chris Cairns can do. However, everyone who comes into a New Zealand side has a responsibility."

New Zealand's playing XI today will again depend on the pitch conditions, but youngsters Brooke Walker and Daryl Tuffey may both get a chance in the bowling lineup.

South Africa brought in allrounder Andrew Hall and pace bowler Makhaya Ntini on Thursday, with Ntini impressing in helpful conditions.

Offspinner Shafiek Abrahams and pace bowler Mfuneko Ngam have both yet to play in the series.

New Zealand (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Chris Nevin, Nathan Astle, Roger Twose, Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Adam Parore, Scott Styris, Brooke Walker, Daryl Tuffey, Shayne O'Connor, Paul Wiseman, Geoff Allott.

South Africa (from): Shaun Pollock (captain), Gary Kirsten, Andrew Hall, Boeta Dippenaar, Nicky Boje, Jacques Kallis, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Mark Boucher, Allan Donald, Roger Telemachus, Makhaya Ntini, Shafiek Abrahams, Mfuneko Ngam.

- NZPA