Richard Hadlee vs Lance Cairns: A Battle of Fast Bowling Titans

Richard Hadlee and Bernard Lance Cairns  made significant contributions to New Zealand cricket and are remembered for their unique approach and impact on the game.

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Richard Hadlee and Bernard Lance Cairns were two of the most formidable fast bowlers in the history of cricket. They were two of the most feared fast bowlers of their generation. Their contributions to the game were immense, and they are remembered as legends of the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the game of cricket.

Richard Hadlee: The Master of Swing

Known for his mastery in swing, he is described as the “most intelligent fast bowler ever”.  The Kiwi pacer had the substantial ability to swing the ball both ways. His consistency, accuracy, control and precision made him a formidable bowler on all types of surfaces. His accuracy and control over the ball were exceptional, and he could consistently find the edge of the bat.

 

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Richard Hadlee vs Lance Cairns: A Battle of Fast Bowling Titans

Hadlee made his Test debut on 2 February 1973 against Pakistan and ended up playing 86 matches in the red-ball format. He took 431 wickets in his Test career and became the first bowler to reach 400 Test wickets, a colossal milestone of that time. He retired as the bowler with the most test wickets at that time.

The prolific bowler took 36 five-wicket hauls and nine 10-wicket hauls, both of which are the most for a fast bowler. In Tests, he is the bowler with the third most fifers and 10-fers.

Richard Hadlee has steered New Zealand to several memorable wins, including a historic win against Australia in 1985-86 in Test series.

Bernard Lance Cairns: The Aggressive Force

Bernard Lance Cairns was known for his raw pace and aggression as he could generate immense speed and bounce, making it difficult for batsmen to handle his bowling.  Cairns was a swing bowler with an unorthodox ‘front on’ action and renowned for his aggressive fast bowling.  He was known for his ability to take crucial wickets, especially in limited-overs cricket.

Richard Hadlee vs Lance Cairns: A Battle of Fast Bowling Titans

The right-arm pacer delivered some memorable spells for New Zealand. His 5 for 33 at Wellington in February 1981 ensured a comprehensive victory for the Kiwis against India. Cairns was declared the Man of the Match for his bowling figures of 7-74 and 3-70 on July 28, 1983. Cairns bid adieu to New Zealand cricket on a winning note at WACA in 1985. 

Cairns played from 1973 to 1985 for New Zealand and took 130 Test Match wickets and 89 ODI wickets. He took ten wickets in New Zealand’s first ever victory on English soil, at Headingley in 1983.

Also Read: Unsung Heroes of New Zealand Cricket

Richard Hadlee and Bernard Lance Cairns  made significant contributions to New Zealand cricket and are remembered for their unique approach and impact on the game. Hadlee’s technical acumen and Cairns’ explosive style complemented each other, ushering a dynamic era of New Zealand bowling attack.