We must continue with the same team  
                     to perform better: Cairns 

Chris Cairns is being widely rated as the best all-rounder in the world today. He emulated 
part of his skills from his father Lance Cairns, also an all-rounder who played important 
innings for the New Zealand. Chris speaks to Kunal Pradhan about his future plans 
and memories.

You are considered as one of the best all-rounders in the world today.
How do you feel about the tag? 

It's a great honour. It's taken a long while to get here. I've been 
around for a while; so, I'm thoroughly enjoying my cricket at the 
moment. When you're considered as one of the best, it's something 
special. 


All-rounders are becoming a very important part of cricket now. 
Who do you rate among the best in the world? 

Well, the South Africans - Klusener, Kallis and Pollock - are three 
good players. Even Dion Nash from New Zealand is a good all-rounder.
With all-rounders in the team it just gives the side an advantage in 
both one-day and the Test matches. It also gives depth to your 
batting if you've got bowlers who can bat. I consider those guys 
right up there.

What do you consider yourself - a batsman who can bowl or a bowler 
who can bat? 
I am often posed with this question, but it doesn't really worry me.
 I just sort of love doing both. When I'm batting, I'm a pure batsman
 and when I bowl, I bowl. So, you know I enjoy runs and wickets. 

Isn't it a special feeling, being so good at both that it's difficult
for you to put your finger on it? 

Yes, I'm very lucky to be good at both. It means I have two chances 
in the game. If I don't do well scoring runs I can take wickets and
 if I'm not taking wickets I still have a chance to score runs.
 In this manner I'm always involved in the game.

When you joined the New Zealand team, it was under a rebuilding 
process under Lee Germon as captain. How has that come along? 

Yes, we've come a long way since then. Steve Rixon's involvement
with New Zealand cricket has been very crucial. He got the side to
perform at a good level and now we're trying to maintain it. As of 
today we are a good side and if we stay together over the next few 
years, you know, we will be able to achieve better.

How has the mental framework of the team changed over this whole 
process? 

We've got more confidence in the side and that helps all the players
who have more opportunities to play now. It also gives them a lot of 
experience, so things are definitely looking up.

Last question. Are you the person who likes the high life… cars and
the works?  

I used to, but now (laughs) I'm a bit more subdued. You know, I've
always tried everything. I've always been somebody who enjoys giving
everything a go. Something you say, you know, oh, I shouldn't have 
done that but if I hadn't have done that I wouldn't know. So, I've 
always enjoyed giving everything a go.