New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns is recovering after being assaulted at a Durban nightclub.

The play was struck from behind, according to a journalist who witnessed the incident, and suffered a cut lip.

Cairns was part of a group of about 10 Kiwi players who had gone out for the evening with the full knowledge and consent of Black Caps' manager Jeff Crowe.

The group was accompanied by four security guards.

According to the reporter a scuffle broke out after other club-goers demanded to know if they were all New Zealand players.

New Zealand beat hosts South Africa in a thrilling game in Johannesburg at the weekend.

The incident was not reported to the police.

21 Feb, 2003