'Way To Play' is a comprehensive guide to cricketing skills. Cairns introduces the game and the equipment used, then has separate chapters on batting, bowling, fielding, and sections on wicketkeeping and captaincy. All of the orthodox batting shots are described and there are photos showing key features of each shot. Some less-than-orthodox but still quite popular one-day shots are also described. The bowling chapter features instructions and photographs for both seam and spin bowling, and the fielding chapter includes advice on how best to take various types of catches, and effective ways to return the ball to the keeper or bowler.
All of the photographs in the book feature up-and-coming New Zealand cricketers, and were taken at the New Zealand cricket academy in Christchurch. Clear diagrams of fielding positions and umpires signals, amongst others, are included, along with some stunning action shots of Cairns playing for New Zealand. Plus, great snippets of information about Chris and other Clear Black Caps.