Michael Clarke has quit Australia's cricket tour of NZ for 'personal reasons'. His fiancee Lara Bingle is embroiled in controversy over a nude photo.

NZ captain Daniel Vettori rates Ross Taylor and James Franklin 50-50 chances to face Australia in Hamilton tomorrow.

New Zealand cricket coach Mark Greatbatch reckons the current transtasman tension is nothing compared to his playing days.

In-form Canterbury batsman Shanan Stewart is poised for a ODI cricket debut after being summoned to the NZ squad as injury cover today.

Australia has won the toss and are batting in the second ODI in Auckland. Follow the action live.

Don't expect any cooling in aggression when NZ and Aussie players clash in Auckland, writes David Leggat.

Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori remains a doubtful starter for tomorrow's second Chappell-Hadlee Trophy one-day cricket international.

When Scott Styris roared 'take that you Aussie chaps' at the Napier ODI, it's easy to think he might have had others in mind.

Expect more fireworks between NZ and Australia as the hosts boldly declare they won't back down ahead of the second ODI.

NZ are sweating on the fitness of Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram as they look to go 2-0 up in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy ODI series.

Scott Styris was NZ's hero on a thrilling night as the hosts went 1-0 up in the Chappell Hadlee ODI series.

Jacob Oram's role in the rest of the Chappell Hadlee series will be determined by a medical specialist in Auckland today.

NZ need 276 to win the opening ODI against Australia after a solid fielding performance in Napier today. Follow the action live.

Carrying on the good work from the Twenty20 appetisers into the ODI series is the Black Caps' challenge.