The only reason Mark Richardson can come up with regarding the motivation for John Parker and Co to go public with their document on the Taylor affair is fear.

The Canberra Raiders are hoping home ground advantage and the X-factor of a little known youngster will turn their NRL season fortunes around today against the Sydney Roosters.

Former New Zealand cricketer Mark Greatbatch has admitted his involvement in John Parker's movement for better governance.

It would be a huge stretch to call it a gasp of exasperation; maybe more a quiet exhalation, but New Zealand coach Mike Hesson yesterday briefly let his guard slip over the ongoing off-field drama surrounding his team.

New Zealand will be two players short for the start of next month's tour of England.

Spinner Daniel Vettori has returned to the one-day side for the Black Caps after eight months out of international cricket with an ankle injury.

Cricket broadcasting rights partners Radio Sport and New Zealand Cricket have been in a stand-off this week over a line of questioning in a controversial interview.

Someone once said that, when reading a newspaper, he always turned to the sports pages first, as there he found people's achievements - whereas the front page showcased only human failings.

An awkward moment preceded the final overs in New Zealand's third test draw against England. At 304 for eight, Jimmy Anderson offered a catch to Ross Taylor at first slip off Kane Williamson.

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.

Eden Park, already becoming known for its rather unfriendly welcome to cricket fans through over-zealous security, could win another dubious title - the venue to surrender the most sixes in a test in cricket history.

England bowler Steven Finn raised concerns about the join between the drop-in pitch and the outfield at the northern end of Eden Park after the second day of the final test against New Zealand.

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.

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.

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

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.

If New Zealand get to Eden Park this week at 0-0, they'll be exceedingly happy. The cricket nation will be pleasantly surprised too after the grim forebodings of the gulf between themselves and England in test terms. Whether they do draw this test almost certainly depends on events at the Basin Reserve today, when New Zealand, following on 211 runs behind, start the fourth day at 77 for one. They are 134 runs short of making England bat a second time, and, as an old French teacher would have described it, with a job of work to do.

A test victory should be something that is hard-earned or achieved via exceptional skill.