London: Chris Cairns gave New Zealand a reminder of what they are missing on their tour of England with a maiden Twenty20 fifty on Thursday which helped Nottinghamshire back to the top of the North Division.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Cairns, now 38 and in his sixth spell with the Trent-Bridge based county, struck six fours in 40 balls as Nottinghamshire beat local rivals Leicestershire with two balls to spare.

New Zealand, thrashed by nine wickets in thei lone Twenty20 international at Old Trafford last Friday, are currently 1-0 down in their one-day series with England ahead of Saturday's third match of five at Bristol.

Record-breaker Graeme Hick also struck a blow for veterans on the day he broke former England captain Graham Gooch's all-time senior appearance record of 1,195 matches.

Worcestershire legend Hick made 63, including two sixes and five fours, but the 42-year-old couldn't prevent the home side losing by 10 runs in their clash with Somerset at New Road.

Born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, Hick was unable to play for England until 1991 while serving a seven-year qualification period.

The likes of former Worcestershire and England batsman Tom Graveney believe that 'delay' was the key reason why Hick's international career never took off.

By the time he made his England debut, Hick had to cope with the build-up of years of public and selectorial expectation unknown to most Test newcomers.

Opening batsman Gooch, who ended his playing career with his beloved Essex in 1997, just short of his 44th birthday, said: "Graeme is fit, very athletic for his age still.

"He will know the time when to quit but, from what I've seen there is one maybe two more seasons, within his capabilities.

"Good luck to Graeme. I brought him into the Test team in 1991. Sadly he never quite reached the heights in Test cricket and at international cricket that he did at first-class level."

However, Gooch said a disappointing England career should not detract from the staying power of Hick, who has also represented Australian state Queensland and Northern Districts in New Zealand.

"That doesn't take anything away from his ability as a player and a person and to play on to his 40s is a great achievement."

AFP

Tags: english county cricket, twenty20 cup, cairns, hick, nottinghamshire, worcester, tom graveney, queensland, northern districts.

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