Cairns, 28, married Ruth Leslie in April last year in Christchurch, but their partnership ended by mutual agreement last month.

Cairns said yesterday the pair parted on good terms and no third party was involved.

``We still want to preserve our friendship. There is no bitterness, just sadness.''

He said his career as a professional cricketer took him away from home for up to 10 months a year.

``Our lives were going down different paths,'' he said.

Ruth Cairns is a graphic design artist.

Meanwhile, Cairns will not require knee surgery on a troublesome complaint which dogged him during the latter stages of last season.

However, he will miss the early part of the season as he has rehabilitation with the aim of being fit by November and the international home series against India and South Africa.

``I hope to be getting back into the game by the time the Conference series is played,'' he said.