Brendon McCullum’s cricket leadership is captivating Kiwi fans. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw’s success has come over a long period. Andrew Alderson looks at how the pair compare.

Leaders Auckland are in an even contest with Canterbury at the halfway point in their Plunket Shield clash at Colin Maiden Park.

Brad Cachopa's second century of the Plunket Shield domestic cricket season pulled leaders Auckland out of a potential jam against Canterbury at Colin Maiden Park yesterday.

Black Cap Dean Brownlie has broken the Northern Districts first class record after reaching 334 against Central Districts in New Plymouth today.

It could not have finished much closer as Auckland and Northern Districts played out a thrilling finish in their Plunket Shield match at Colin Maiden Park yesterday.

The absence of Dean Brownlie and Anton Devcich confirms Brendon McCullum will open the batting at next month's World Cup.

Auckland suffered their first loss of the Ford Trophy season after crashing to a comprehensive defeat yesterday against previously winless Canterbury.

Milestone achieved, now moving on. Trent Boult admitted he was chuffed to complete his 100 test wickets at Hagley Oval yesterday but there's a test to be won.

A record-breaking first round of the Ford Trophy saw bat totally dominate ball - until it didn't.

The Boxing Day feats of Brendon McCullum have underlined his favouritism to win this year’s supreme Halberg Award. Andrew Alderson selects another six of the finest performances by New Zealand test cricketers in a calendar.

Auckland's grip on the Plunket Shield looks shaky halfway through the third round matches.

Several New Zealand players can be inked into the World Cup squad for February. Some are still presenting their case.