Bernard Lance Cairns, known popularly as Lance Cairns, was born on October 13, 1949, in Spring Creek, a small hamlet in Marlborough, New Zealand. He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and unconventional cricketers to have represented New Zealand.
Cairns’ introduction to the game of cricket came in an unorthodox manner. The first Test match he ever saw was the one in which he made his debut. This lack of exposure to traditional cricketing methods worked to his advantage, as he developed a unique and raw style of play that set him apart from his peers.
What made Cairns a notable figure in cricket was his ability to bowl devastating inswing deliveries, coupled with his strong batting performances. His broad shoulders and keen eye made him a formidable match-winner. Cairns became a crowd favorite, known for his determined approach on the field.
One of his most famous attributes was the choice of his bat – not a conventional piece of willow but a wooden club named Excalibur. This massive blade, with its cutaway shoulders, played a crucial role in Cairns’ success. In a memorable one-day international against Australia at Melbourne, he etched his name in cricketing history by smashing six sixes, leaving the opposition in awe of his power and precision.
While Cairns made significant contributions to New Zealand cricket as an all-rounder, his legacy goes beyond his individual achievements. During a match at Christchurch, when the national team was waiting for the pitch at Lancaster Park to dry out, Cairns found himself bowling to a talented 14-year-old named Chris Cairns. Little did he know that this young player would go on to surpass his father’s accomplishments, cementing the Cairns legacy in New Zealand cricket.
Despite his unconventional style and lack of exposure to traditional cricketing development, Cairns carved a niche for himself in the cricketing world. His unorthodox techniques and sheer tenacity made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. He paved the way for future cricketers to embrace their unique styles, proving that there is more than one way to succeed in the game.
Cairns’ international career spanned from 1974 to 1985, during which he represented New Zealand in 43 Tests and 62 One Day Internationals (ODIs). His all-round contributions, which saw him score over 3,000 international runs and take over 200 wickets, earned him a place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.
After his retirement, Cairns continued to be involved in cricket, coaching and mentoring young players. He became an influential figure, passing on his knowledge and experiences to the next generation of cricketers in New Zealand.
Lance Cairns will always be remembered as an unconventional yet unforgettable cricketing talent. His rawness, unmatched power, and relentless determination on the field made him a true legend of New Zealand cricket.