Chris Cairns And Chris Harris Return To New Zealand (2 Oct 1996)

2 October 1996

Chris Cairns And Chris Harris Return To New Zealand

Canterbury cricketers Chris Cairns and Chris Harris are back from English seasons having differing goals for the coming season with New Zealand.

Cairns is determined to put the past season of controversy, which had him at loggerheads with coach Glenn Turner, behind him.

To that end, Cairns had nothing to say about any past acrimony, being one of several players to take advantage of New Zealand Cricket`s amnesty on players who fell from favour last season.

Meanwhile, Harris is seeking to cement a place in the side after making major inroads last season when recalled for the World Cup and West Indies tour.

The pair have just returned to Christchurch, after satisfying seasons for Nottinghamshire (Cairns) in the English county league and Ramsbottom (Harris) in the competitive Lancashire league.

Cairns reported yesterday that his body was in good shape, but he was feeling "a bit jaded" having just finished the another arduous English season.

"Over the next month or so I`ll freshen up before we go away."

Cairns said despite modest returns in the English county championship with the ball, 37 wickets at 39.48, he was still pleased with his bowling.

"Sure, the stats don`t look that flash, but they don`t always tell the full story. I was pretty happy with how I bowled on some pretty flat tracks, but the wickets just didn`t come my way."

After a poor start Notts struggled in the county competition and then concentrated its energies on the Sunday league championship where it finished first equal on points, but second on run rate.

Cairns contributed handsomely taking 26 wickets at 15.73 with five for 41 his best against Yorkshire. With the bat Cairns scored 414 runs averaging 69, with six not outs from 12 innings. He only twice scored under 20.

Cairns believes New Zealand stands a good chance of winning its forthcoming home test and one-day series against England during January and February.

"Their side has a steady look to it. They will be competitive, but have quite a few new guys."

Harris said England still lacked the consistency required at international level.

"They still tend to run hot and cold. They are capable on their day, but chopping and changing their team probably doesn`t help."

Harris`s team, Ramsbottom finished third in the Lancashire league, one place down on last season, but it won the one-day knockout championship beating Bacup, a team led by West Indian Roger Harper.

Harris, who last year completed the rare 1000 run-100 wicket double, more than paid his way again but from a reduced season through New Zealand commitments. Harris scored some 780 runs and captured about 78 wickets with his brisk leg breaks. Harris said the standard was about equivalent to Christchurch senior club play.

Both players have signed to return to England next season.

Source :: The Press (https://www.press.co.nz)