The Black Caps seem unlikely to have their mettle tested against quality seam bowling until the World Cup.

Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum seems likely to be rested during one of New Zealand's next three ODIs before the World Cup.

The New Zealand cricket team have seldom had stronger form heading into a World Cup, but veteran Daniel Vettori has highlighted run outs as an area where they must exercise better judgment.

The New Zealand World Cup preparation juggernaut rolled on today with a 120-run win in the sixth one-day international against Sri Lanka in Dunedin.

The Decision Review System has failed in the sixth one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Dunedin.

Former Black Cap Matthew Hart knows a thing or two about difficult starts - in cricket and life.

The beige uniform caused quite a stir when first foisted on a bemused New Zealand team writes Nick Edlin

Expect Kyle Mills to return to the bowling crease for New Zealand today in the sixth one-day international of the series against Sri Lanka.

It's designed to answer that age-old cricket question of "who's winning?" - a question that has infuriated die-hard cricket fans for decades.

A record sixth-wicket partnership between Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi has seen the Black Caps claim the fifth ODI against Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps have won the fourth ODI against Sri Lanka in Nelson today, chasing down the visitors total of 276 with four wickets to spare.

Two young cricket fans had the surprise of their lives when they returned to their Auckland home after a night away to find five Black Caps were ready to play with them.

You see the words "drink responsibly" everywhere. Fair enough too. It's great advice. I love drinking responsibly.

Kyle Mills came through what amounted to a New Zealand fitness confirmation trial in good shape as Auckland won a last-ball Ford Trophy thriller against Northern Districts in the sunshine at Eden Park yesterday.

Two young cricket fans were thrilled to find their front yard had been turned into a cricket pitch and five Black Caps were ready to play with them.

Six more matches to go. The build-up to the Cricket World Cup is almost as fascinating as the tournament itself.

New Zealand sport fans are becoming increasingly excited about the Cricket World Cup.

Hail the invisible puppeteer.

It was a good hit-out yesterday for the Black Caps with plenty achieved even with the Auckland weather trying to play spoiler.

Sri Lanka easily won the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park to square the seven-game series tonight.

"Match sold out" signs are expected to be up for all bar one of New Zealand's six World Cup pool games by the end of next week.

Half centuries by Brendon McCullum and Corey Anderson carried New Zealand to a three-wicket win in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval today.

Time to change the kit, and the mindset for New Zealand - bring out the colours, the World Cup is almost upon us.