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Home  » Sports » Kiwis lifted by Cairns return

Kiwis lifted by Cairns return

By Suresh Seshadri
November 02, 2003 19:48 IST
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Chris Cairns returns for New Zealand on Monday as they aim to avenge a crushing loss to Australia in the fifth game of the one-day tri-series.

The 33-year-old all rounder was passed fit after a hamstring injury kept him out of Wednesday's eight-wicket drubbing in which New Zealand were bowled out for 97, their fifth lowest one-day total.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, meanwhile, admitted concern about his poor batting form.

"I feel I really haven't yet arrived," he said on Sunday. "It has been a frustrating tour so far. I need to put all the training into some currency tomorrow."

Fleming, 32, arrived in India with high hopes having smashed a career-best 274 during the drawn Test series in Sri Lanka this year.

New Zealand also drew their Test series in India, but Fleming made scores of one, eight and 30.

"I am feeling under pressure, but that's good because I like being under pressure and I want to lead from the front," he said.

TARGET GILCHRIST

He said removing opener Adam Gilchrist early would be key to beating the world champions, who have dominated their last two games after a 37-run loss to India in their opening game.

Gilchrist smashed 83 from 76 balls in Gwalior and produced cameos of 29 and 41 to give his side terrific starts.

"He is obviously in form and is dangerous with Matt Hayden at the top," Fleming said. "You have to be very exact with what you do."

Australia coach John Buchanan warned that his side would continue to be ruthless despite topping of the standings with 13 points from three games. India have eight points from three matches and New Zealand three from two.

"We are pleased to have had that win last night," he said. "We didn't start the tournament as well as we would have liked."

"The first four games are important in this particular tournament and we'd like to go through with as little damage as possible."

The teams play each other three times in the group stage with the top two qualifying for the November 18 final in Calcutta.

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Suresh Seshadri
Source: REUTERS
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