Cricket: Cairns laid low by virus in India

JODHPUR - A viral complaint has led to allrounder Chris Cairns being left out of the New Zealand cricket team for the three-day match against the Board President's XI which began in Jodhpur yesterday.

Coach David Trist said Cairns had an ailment, believed to be related to hotel air-conditioning, for the past three to four days but was expected to be available for the first test beginning on Sunday.

"It's not ideal, but we just think it's a necessary precaution," Trist said of Cairns being left to rest.

His absence allows spinner Paul Wiseman to have another chance of pressing his claims for a test spot after New Zealand did not field in the tour opener against India A at Pune because of rain.

In the only change from the first match, seamer Shayne O'Connor comes into the side.

New Zealand: Matthew Horne, Matthew Bell, Craig Spearman, Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Craig McMillian, Adam Parore, Dion Nash, Daniel Vettori, Paul Wiseman, Shayne O'Connor.

* The National Bank has succeeded the Bank of New Zealand as New Zealand Cricket's major sponsor. It is understood the National Bank will pay out around $1.2 million a year for the deal. - NZPA