Ross Taylor is heading for a "please explain" meeting with New Zealand Cricket boss David White over comments about his axing as national captain by coach Mike Hesson.

Brendon McCullum and Alastair Cook post match press conferences. New Zealand has fallen painfully short of winning the third cricket test - and the series - against England, despite a dramatic finish at Eden Park this afternoon.

Peter Fulton and Graham Gooch press conferences. New Zealand are within striking distance of a second home series victory in 18 attempts over England at stumps on the fourth day of the final test. England is 90 for four, chasing an improbable 481 for victory.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said "I make circumstances". Brendon McCullum mimicked him yesterday.

England rattled New Zealand's cage late in the day but New Zealand are in charge of the deciding test at Eden Park with two days remaining.

The Black Caps have made a horror start to their second innings of the third test against England at Eden Park, losing three quick wickets.

Test cricket returned to Eden Park this week. So did I. But it was not the pleasure it should have been, writes Peter Calder.

New Zealand put their initial advantage over England on term deposit rather than investing it in blue chip shares on the second day of the final test.

Former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith perhaps described his job best with the title of his autobiography: Just A Drummer In The Band.

Canterbury opener Peter Fulton booked a return flight to England this year, at the same time throwing into doubt the immediate test future of New Zealand's cricketer of the year.

New Zealand fans may have witnessed the first genuine signs their national team is rebuilding successfully on the opening day of the third test against England.

New Zealand Cricket would be "crazy" not to tap into the wisdom of its former test captains, according to chief executive David White.

For different reasons, the third test between the Black Caps and England starting at Eden Park today is a huge contest for New Zealand.

When Nick Compton arrived in New Zealand he had a job to do to secure his place opening the batting, with at least half an eye on the forthcoming Ashes series in England.

They know it won't be easy, but New Zealand feel they have a chance. Talk to the New Zealand players and there's an undeniable sense that they feel they are within touching distance of what would be a notable test victory at Eden Park.

Black Caps captain sees 'great opportunity' to clinch series victory against England. Brendon McCullum says both tests could well have produced results, but for rain. Call it turf wars. Who would have imagined 20.12m of the stuff would be the hottest topic going to Eden Park where the test series will be decided from Friday. After the second test washout at the Basin Reserve yesterday, New Zealand are a surprise chance to win the test rubber, with the series locked up 0-0.

Cricket must be the world's worst sport for back-biting, politics and whinging. Just ask the Australian team.

Mark Charlton's apartment overlooking the Basin Reserve provided the ultimate free corporate box as the New Zealand cricketers soldiered on against England in the second test yesterday afternoon.

If New Zealand get to Eden Park this week at 0-0, they'll be exceedingly happy.

New Zealand cricket's absent talent is still missing as the domestic and international season draws to a close.

So, come on then, who came up with that plan? Promote the captain, get him stumped first ball. If that's the result of doing your homework, best play hooky with Shane Watson and Co.

BJ Watling can rest easy - his job in the New Zealand test cricket side looks the safest since he pulled on the wicketkeeping gloves at the beginning of last year.

A character examination lies ahead for New Zealand's batsmen at the Basin Reserve today.

Bruce Martin has waited 13 years for his chance to prove he can foot it on the biggest stage.

Matt Prior is happy to leave other people to debate where he stands in the pecking order of England's greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen.

New Zealand know this territory well; they are pushing uphill to stay in a test well before the halfway mark. Matt Prior and Bruce Martin tell each sides tale of a fantastic day of cricket for England.

If New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum wins the toss at the Basin Reserve tomorrow morning he will give his bowlers first use of the ball. McCullum fronted his usual press conference on the eve of the second test against England today and offered a slightly surprising response when asked if he would bat first if he won the coin flip.