Cairns in quit shock
by Alan Rowley, 25th July 2003

Nottinghamshire and New Zealand star Chris Cairns (pictured below) looks set to retire from the game, according to Cricket Web. His career is in the balance following his decision to turn down a contract offered him by New Zealand.

Cricket Web says, "Cairns is likely to retire if he isn't able to contribute to the team as an all-rounder, and after his recent marriage, his priority is settling down and having children."

Further evidence that Cairns is about to quit the game comes from the fact that he has set up his own fudge business with his father Lance. Cricket Web says "they are set to launch their product soon, which gives us a clue that his great career could be at an end with him looking to opportunities outside the cricketing world."

NZoom, a website for New Zealanders, confirms the fudge story suggesting that "two of our biggest-hitting cricketers have finally come out with their secret to success ... they've had tasty, creamy fudge to keep their energy up".

NZoom says: "While their 'There's nothing wrong with it' slogan may be a bit naff, Chris Cairns can think of plenty that is right with it" They quote Cairns as saying: "Our fudge is the creamiest, softest, most delicious fudge that is made in New Zealand - all because of our ingredients and our special manufacturing process".

Chris Cairns about to put Tom Lungley into the Derby scorebox

If Cairns does quit the game, he will be a great shock to the County, coming so soon after his memorable game at Derby on Wednesday night when he hammered the weak Derbyshire attack to all parts. Nottinghamshire looked down and out when Cairns joined Chris Read to take the Derbyshire lads apart. A display which left Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork fuming in the home team dressing room.

Chris Read poses at Derby with Eastwood site regulars Dangerous and Jambrose (right)

33-year-old Cairns has played 55 Tests and 167 One-day internationals for New Zealand. He recently took his 600th first class wicket, only the sixth New Zealander to complete the feat. Top of the list is the great Sir Richard Hadlee with 1,490 wickets.