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He has the field covered
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From charity work to product endorsement, Chris Cairns is doing a lot off the pitch as well, writes ANAND SANKAR
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PEARLS OF WISDOM `I don't have too many fillings' Photo: Murali Kumar K.
Three characteristics define Chris Cairns — physique, handshake and smile. The combination makes for quite an electric and affable man in spite of the superstar status he enjoys in the world of cricket. Cairnsey, as he is popularly known, is now using his smile to promote a toothpaste, and says with a toothy grin: "I don't have many fillings, so I must be doing okay."
But endorsements apart, Chris has also been afflicted by the India bug (another victim being Steve Waugh), which makes him visit India often and do his bit for charity. He is in love with the culture and the people. "Indian women are very beautiful," he gushes.
"Initially when I toured here it was difficult to adjust because of the culture. But if you spend time here you understand and enjoy it. It is so vibrant. Also dealing with the heat, food and transport issues (he means traffic jams) teaches you patience."
Bravado and buff
A man without fear on the cricket field, he has often advocated that bravado and bluff are the two key elements essentials for a cricket player. Bravado helps you when you are playing well and when you are not, you must bluff your way through things, he says. Both were very visible when he blasted 102 not out, with a bad knee, to win the ICC Champions Trophy for New Zealand against India at Nairobi, Kenya. He reckons that the Aussies are the best exponents of bravado and buff at the moment.
"The Australians are very skilled and experienced right now. They are lucky to have two of the best bowlers in the world in Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. The players know their job, so captain has to just keep things together."
Son of another legend, the great Lance Cairns, Chris says that his father was his biggest hero off the field. "On the field my heroes were Viv Richards and Ian Botham. My dad always encouraged me to be myself. He never created any restrictions for me." Chris was never intimidated by his father's achievements even on the field. "I eclipsed his records very easily so there is no question of me being overawed by him."
Known to have a fiery temper ever since he started playing, Chris has often found himself at loggerheads with former New Zealand captains such as Glenn Turner and Lee Germon. Only his talent saved him from being punished. But now he is a much-mellowed man. "I was 26 back then. I think everybody needs time to grow up," he says.
One can only imagine what this man would have achieved on the field if he had not been dogged consistently by serious injuries that have often threatened to curtail his career. And in spite of his injuries he has played more first class cricket than international.
"I was born with very bad knees and I had to fight my way through that. Through my injuries I have always used a boxing analogy: `Its not how many times you get knocked down, its how many times you get up that matters.'"
And he feels that with cricketers playing more matches, such cases will only increase. "Richard Hadlee played 86 test matches in 19 years. Today a cricketer does that in six or seven years. Plus one-dayers. It's a challenge."
Now that he has retired from test cricket, Chris spends his time doing what he loves the most. "I love spending time with my family and playing with my two little sons. I have a variety of business interests. So there is more than enough for me to do," he says. "Also back home I don't have the star factor to deal with. I can go out and shop at the supermarket without getting mobbed."
Any chance of the Cairns juniors using the legendary Cairns' swing in golf, like granddad Lance once said he wants them to? "No, I am happy to let them follow their dreams," he says.
No regrets
Chris has played rugby at the under-17 level, but doesn't regret choosing cricket as a career. "I don't even entertain that thought. What's the point? I'm a big believer in focusing on what you have, not what you don't. This is my life and I am lucky to have lived it," he says.
His last chance at immortal glory is going to be at the 2007 Cricket World Cup. He feels New Zealand has a good chance and is ready for anything — defeat or victory. "If we have a full squad then we have a good chance. But sport has its highs and lows. That's the beauty. You have to put yourself on the line, if you shy away, you will have only regrets."
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