New Zealand great allrounder Chris Cairns is one of three players being investigated by the ICC over allegations of match fixing.

NZ Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills says match-fixing allegations make it a 'sad day' for the sport, and believes the onus is now on players to come forward.

NZ cricket CEO David White said he is 'shocked' by match-fixing allegations against NZ players, and that he knows the identity of those under investigation.

Skype: Dylan Cleaver joins Andrew Alderson from the cricket test in Dunedin to discuss the evolving match fixing allegations story involving former New Zealand players which he broke this morning.

Martin Crowe has Ross Taylor's ear and spoke reassuring words into it before the opening test against the West Indies began.

The atmosphere at the Adelaide Oval today will lack some of the gladiatorial intensity of the Gabba.

In many minds the cricket fortunes of Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor these days are intertwined. And did it was quality intertwining against the West Indies yesterday.

West Indies coach Ottis Gibson is optimistic spinners Shane Shillingford and Marlon Samuels will be cleared to bowl in the test series against New Zealand.

Australian opener Chris Rogers says he can't afford more batting failures or his test career will be over.

Mike Atherton says the "angelic smile" of baby-faced batsman Joe Root makes him the ideal choice to take over as England's new No 3 for the second test in Adelaide.

Andy Flower delivered a sustained attack on Australia's David Warner after it emerged that Jonathan Trott had returned home from the Ashes tour with a stress-related illness.

England coach Andy Flower says he'll consider meeting Australian counterpart Darren Lehmann in a bid to set some sledging ground rules ahead of the second test in Adelaide.

Several New Zealand batsmen could do with plenty of pre-first test runs against the West Indies selection in their tour opener at Lincoln starting today.

Mitchell Johnson holds the key to Australia's Ashes chances after his stunning career resurrection led the home side to a drought-breaking first test victory over England in Brisbane.