odt odt

New Zealand's two twenty/20 matches against India are about shaking off the cobwebs, finding some form for the World Cup and, for Ronnie Hira, solidifying a spot in the side.

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor has won the toss and his side will bat first in the second test in Bangalore today.

Brendon McCullum was one of the few New Zealand batsmen who showed an ability to occupy the crease in the first cricket test against India - but that was far from the case to begin with.

In the build-up to the first test against India, several New Zealand cricketers spoke of their relief at avoiding the tough task of breaking down The Wall.

New Zealand's cricketers are about to undertake a mission they have never accomplished, but Chris Martin thinks a new commander could create history in India.

After starting their search with 39 potential candidates to replace John Wright as coach of the Black Caps, New Zealand Cricket unanimously opted for one name.

For a side sitting outside the NRL top eight, the Warriors sure talk a big game.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has voiced his suspicions about the infamous abstention by New Zealand's Charlie Dempsey during voting to select the hosts of the 2006 World Cup.

They were thumped by the West Indies and lost three players to injury, but Jacob Oram, one of the wounded, has surprisingly described the Black Caps' mood as one of excitement, rather than despair.

Lessons learned from recent losses helped Shaun Johnson lead the Warriors to a potentially season-saving win over the North Queensland Cowboys yesterday.

Ross Taylor may miss the rest of the Caribbean tour after damaging his shoulder while fielding in the Black Caps' opening Twenty20 loss to the West Indies at the weekend.

The Warriors survived another mid-match malaise to clinch a crucial two points with a 35-18 win over the Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium today.

The Warriors were denied at the death by a Jeff Robson double as they went down 20-19 to the Sharks in Cronulla.