The 31-year-old is facing the prospect of a second operation on his right knee after tearing the patella tendon while fielding in the first Test against England at Christchurch.

The injury put him out of the series and also means he will be unable to fulfil the first year of a two-year contract to play county cricket in England for Nottinghamshire.

"It's frustrating, disappointing, all those things, but that's what sport's about," he said.

"Some people are gifted and go through their careers with no injury. Others like Dion Nash and I have found it tough."

Cairns, who has played 55 Tests and 151 one-day internationals, was out of action from January to November last year following his first knee operation and expects a similar lay-off this time.

He is hoping to return for the home series against India at the end of the year, with a view to playing in the World Cup in South Africa in February 2003.

New Zealand are among the fancied sides, having won the ICC Knockout event in Kenya in 2000 and reached the VB Series final in Australia earlier this year before losing to South Africa.

"It's about bouncing back. I reckon I've got one more shot in me , and that's the World Cup, which I think New Zealand can win.

"I love being involved with this team and that's why I want to give it one last crack to get it right.

"If it goes right, I could get another three years, if it doesn't, I feel I can get through another season, play the World Cup, then look at things."