Former Black Caps coach Steve Rixon is firming as favourite to replace Tim Nielsen as Australian cricket coach.

Andrew Hilditch, Greg Chappell and Tim Nielsen are all high-profile casualties of the Argus report into Australian cricket.

Some great names stand out on the path to the sport's 2000th test, a journey that NZ began unpromisingly.

Cricket's 2000th test starts at Lord's on Thursday, when England host India.

Veterans James Franklin and Daryl Tuffey have missed out being named in the list of 20 players contracted by New Zealand Cricket.

Tests remain top priority for former Black Caps captain as he takes a year-long break from short form of the game.