Cairns quickly back into stride in practice match

Ace New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns gave New Zealand's cricket selectors just the fillip they needed in a short burst of bowling at Lincoln Green this morning.

It took only nine balls before he claimed the first wicket in his comeback bowling performance.

Playing as an invited player for the New Zealand Academy XI in a pre-season warm-up match against Otago, Cairns bowled his first four overs with good pace and extracted both bounce and sideways movement.

Otago opening batsman Andrew Hore was his first victim, the left-hander fending at a ball wide of off stump and being caught by wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum.

A second wicket proved a little more controversial when a rising ball moved away from the batsman Jordan Sheed. A less than convincing appeal resulted in bowler's end umpire Gary Baxter deciding to consult with square leg umpire Dave Quested before giving Sheed out.

Cairns, who is recovering from surgery on his knee, bowled only in a short burst as he rehabilitates himself before the New Zealand tour of Australia.

He moved freely in his run-up and looked to have some of the spring and vitality associated with his bowling when in his prime.