CHRISTCHURCH, March 14: New Zealand’s influential all-rounder Chris Cairns has knee trouble and may have played his last match in the series with England, team officials said Thursday.

The Kiwis’ star bowler will be nursed through the rest of the first Test after straining the patella tendon in his right knee.

Cairns, who claimed three wickets in England’s first innings of 228 including two in his opening over, will be monitored by New Zealand Cricket’s medical staff for the rest of the match.

He bowled four overs at first change in England’s second innings during Thursday’s second day’s play, after being dismissed for a third-ball duck in New Zealand’s first innings of 147, but was clearly nowhere near top fitness. He is also battling a back complaint.

“We’re hopeful he’ll take as much part in the rest of this match as he can,” said team coach Denis Aberhart after Thursday’s play.

Aberhart believed Cairns injured the knee while diving in the field, and said the lush Jade Stadium turf wasn’t ideal.

“The outfield is certainly heavier and rougher than it has been in the past and some of our bowlers struggled with it yesterday.”

Cairns had ongoing problems with the patella tendon in his right knee and had an operation to alleviate them a year ago. Medical staff said the current problem was unrelated.

Cairns is due to tour Sharjah and Pakistan next month and play the first of the two Tests before taking up an England county contract with Nottinghamshire for two seasons.

“We don’t know how bad it’s going to be. He’s planning to go to Notts, he’s a professional and he knows what he’s able to do.”—AFP