Cairns named vice-captain of TelstraClear Black Caps

All-rounder Chris Cairns has been named vice-captain of the TelstraClear Black Caps for the team's ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 campaign.

TelstraClear Black Caps coach Denis Aberhart said Cairns' experience was an invaluable asset for his side.

"Chris is a highly skilled and experienced campaigner who offers an enormous amount to our team both on and off the field.

"He leads by example through his constant professionalism and he has the outstanding ability to read a game and accurately assess situations.

"He will provide Stephen Fleming with a valuable sounding board for on-field decisions."

Cairns has played 154 One-Day Internationals and has a batting average of 28.84 at a strike rate of 81.43, including four centuries and 19 fifties. He also has 154 wickets at 31.90.