By Martin Gough

Chris Cairns (right) eclipsed father Lance's achievements

New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns is playing his final Test at Trent Bridge, the ground where he first played for Nottinghamshire as a 19-year-old in 1989.

Following the match at home will be his father Lance, who played in 43 Tests himself, and gained a cult following in one-day international cricket.

BBC Sport swapped email with Lance on the eve of his son's Test farewell.

How much interest did Chris show in cricket when he was young?

As soon as he could walk he showed keenness with anything that involved a ball.

CHRIS CAIRNS Tests: 61 3307 runs at 34.09, best 158 209 wickets at 29.77, best 7-27 One-day internationals: 186 4427 runs at 29.51, best 115 170 wickets at 33.11, best 5-42

When did you realise he was going to be good enough to follow in your footsteps?

His ability was evident very early on. In his own age group he was very dominant, with some parents not letting their kids play against him because of the pace he could bowl.

How early on did you realise he was going to be world class?

At international level because of his all-round abilities he ranked with the best. Injuries stopped him from playing a larger number of Tests, which statistics wise stopped him from being right up there.

LANCE CAIRNS Tests: 43 928 runs at 16.28, best 64 130 wickets at 32.92, best 7-74 One-day internationals: 78 987 runs at 16.72, best 60 89 wickets at 30.52, best 5-28

Do you think he struggled to play in your shadow?

I don't think he had any problem playing in my shadow as he was a much better player than me. But the pressure applied by the media and the public that he was the next Richard Hadlee was unfair.

What do you think has been his greatest achievement?

Joining the club of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs [in Tests] put him in pretty elite company.

Could anything have been done to help him avoid injury trouble and do you think he has done the right thing in retiring from Tests to concentrate on one-dayers?

I pushed him harder than I have pushed anyone Former NZ coach Steve Rixon Cairns and the 1999 tour

Looking back you have to point the finger at him starting a professional career at such a young age as the reason for him being so injury prone.

But he was given an opportunity by Notts and I certainly would never have stood in his way. When opportunity presents itself [you have to] take it as you don't know what's around the corner.

How long do you think Chris will continue to play in one-day cricket?

I think he will play as long as he feels he's contributing. He won't be happy just to play as a batter so as long as he's able to roll his arm well and do what's expected of him he should be around for a few years yet.