I thought I had turned out in the green and gold for the last time in 2003 Chris Cairns

Cairns, 35, will provide short-term cover for Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming.

New Zealand will be touring South Africa at the start of the season, so Cairns will feature in three C&G Trophy matches in late April and early May.

Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: "We needed some cover for Fleming and Cairns fits the bill perfectly."

"We like to work with players that we know, who have an association with the club and who can produce the goods on the pitch.

"Chris ticks all the boxes and is going to be in the UK anyway playing league cricket, which makes things easier for both parties. I'm pleased he's coming back."

Cairns' league cricket commitments are with Bacup in Lancashire.

He will also be involved in a scheme which gets camera equipment installed in sightscreens at county and international level.

Balls will be logged into a computer and open to analysis after the match by players and coaches.

Cairns said: "Everyone knows that Trent Bridge is my second home and I'm delighted to have another opportunity to return to Nottingham."

"I thought I had turned out in the green and gold for the last time in 2003, but I'm looking forward to playing once again in front of the Notts members and supporters."