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Chris Cairns Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birthJune 13, 1970

Age51 Years

BirthplacePicton, Marlborough, New Zealand

ProfessionCricketer (All-rounder)

NationalityNew Zealander

Marital statusMarried

SpouseMelanie Croser

FamilyFather: Bernard Lance Cairns; Mother: Sue Wilson; Sister: Louise Cairns; Children: Thomas, Bram, Noah, Isabel Louise

Chris Cairns Biography

Former New Zealand all-rounder Christopher Lance Cairns made his international debut in 1989 and became one of his country's leading cricketers, achieving

Early life and background

Christopher Lance Cairns was born on June 13, 1970, in Picton, Marlborough, New Zealand. He is the son of cricketer Bernard Lance Cairns and grew up with at least one sibling, a sister named Louise. Cairns later listed Canberra, Australia, as his hometown.

Career

Cairns established himself as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler, representing New Zealand at the international level from the late 1980s through the mid-2000s. He first appeared in first-class cricket after being part of New Zealand's Under-19 squad and the 1988 Youth Cricket World Cup. His Test debut came in November 1989 against Australia and he made his One Day International debut in February 1991 against England. He later made a Twenty20 appearance in February 2005 versus Australia.

Across formats and competitions, Cairns represented a number of teams. Domestically and abroad he played for Northern Districts, Nottinghamshire, Canterbury and the Chandigarh Lions, and he wore the number 6 jersey for New Zealand.

As an all-rounder, Cairns reached notable milestones: he completed the Test all-rounder's double of 200 wickets and 3,000 runs, becoming one of a small group of players to do so and reaching the mark within 58 Tests. He recorded career-best Test bowling figures of seven for 27 in a match against the West Indies in 1999. By the time he retired from Test cricket in June 2004 after a match against England, he had played 62 Tests, scoring 3,320 runs and taking 218 wickets.

Cairns featured in New Zealand's successful campaign at the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, and during his career he set several records for a time, including holding the most Test sixes (87) until it was later surpassed, and holding New Zealand’s fastest ODI century record for a period.

He retired from international cricket in 2006. His final ODI came in January 2006 against Sri Lanka and his last Twenty20 match was in February 2006 against the West Indies. Over his entire professional career he took 200 international wickets and scored 4,950 runs across formats, playing a total of 215 matches.

Cairns also took part in the privately funded Indian Cricket League, captaining the Chandigarh Lions, and continued to play T20 club cricket, including for Nottinghamshire in English competitions.

Public profile

Cairns was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year in 2000. His father’s prominence in the sport and his own achievements made him one of New Zealand’s better-known cricket figures. His career included both high points on the field and challenges off it, including legal battles that were reported in relation to allegations surrounding matches; those cases were heard and resolved in the courts.

Personal life

Cairns has been married three times. His marriages listed include Ruth Leslie, Carin, and Melanie Croser, the latter identified as his spouse from 2010. He has several children: sons Thomas and Bram with Carin, and Noah and a daughter, Isabel Louise, with Melanie Croser. He suffered the loss of his sister Louise in a train accident in 1993; in her memory he completed a long-distance walk in 2008 to raise awareness about rail safety.

Later developments and health

After leaving professional cricket Cairns faced financial and health difficulties. In 2021 he experienced a serious medical emergency when he was rushed to hospital in Canberra with an aortic dissection and was reported to be in critical condition on life support. Reports also describe that he took on a range of jobs and business efforts after his playing days as he worked to support his family.

Latest updates

Cairns' playing records and contributions remain part of New Zealand cricket history: he finished his Test career among his country’s leading wicket-takers and left a legacy as a powerful batting all-rounder who could change the course of matches with both bat and ball.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Chris Cairns, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded
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Recent Work

Chandigarh Lions captain (Indian Cricket League)

Led the privately funded Chandigarh Lions during the Indian Cricket League era (2007-2009).

2007-2009
Nottinghamshire (English T20 competitions)

Played for Nottinghamshire in T20 competitions following the end of the Indian Cricket League.

2009-2008
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Career Highlights

  1. Test debut for New Zealand in November 1989
  2. ODI debut in February 1991
  3. Named one of Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2000
  4. Completed Test all-rounder’s double of 200 wickets and 3,000 runs
  5. Career-best Test bowling figures of 7 for 27 (1999)
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Chris Cairns born?

June 13, 1970

What is Chris Cairns known for?

Cricketer (All-rounder)

What is Chris Cairns’s marital status?

Married

Who is Chris Cairns married to?

Melanie Croser