Cairns, Bond tipped to return for Kiwis

New Zealand pair Chris Cairns and Shane Bond are expected to return from injury for Wednesday's first final of the one-day series against South Africa.

Cairns was New Zealand's leading batsmen in the pool matches of the triangular limited overs series, which also included Australia, with 257 runs at an average of 51.40 including an unbeaten 102.

Bond was the leading bowler among the three nations in the pool matches with 20 wickets at 14.60 and Cairns was New Zealand's second leading bowler with 10 wickets at 26.00.

Cairns, 31, has been carrying a back injury and missed Friday's loss to South Africa in Perth, as did Bond who had a groin strain.

"The back's still a bit stiff but I've a 90 percent chance of playing at this stage," Cairns said.

"It's just really niggly and annoying and time is probably the only thing that can sort it out. But time is not a luxury we have.

"I'll have a bowl tomorrow and have a look then but I should be fine.

"But this is a one-off situation, I've never played a final series here. You need to be sensible but the priority now is the final series."

Fast bowler Bond was obviously a key weapon for the Kiwis, Cairns said.

"He (Bond) has been the find of the tour for us and the majority of our success can be attributed to him," Cairns said.

"What he's given us throughout this series is firepower and the ability to take wickets."

Cairns said he could understand it if South Africa were confident ahead of the first final at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"One out of 16 - that's (how often) we've beaten them - if I was South Africa I'd want to play us in the finals as well," Cairns said.

"Saying that, finals situations bring out the most amazing results - anything can happen."

The second match of the best-of-three series will be played in Sydney on Friday and the third in Sydney on Sunday, if required

Mail Cricket Editor