CANBERRA, Oct 20: New Zealand’s match-winning all-rounder Chris Cairns said Saturday he had fast-tracked his comeback from knee surgery so that he could be ready to face Australia in the first Test next month.

Cairns has joined the touring side after staying home to do more strengthening and fitness work while the Kiwis played a drawn tour-opener against the Queensland Academy of Sport in Brisbane this week.

He is expected to be named in the New Zealand side to play against an Australian Capital Territory President’s XI at Manuka Oval here starting Sunday.—Reuters