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

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

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.

New Zealand bowling coach Shane Bond and batsman Kane Williamson are embracing the prospect of a wicket with more life in it when the second test against England gets under way at the Basin Reserve on Thursday.

Chief Herald sports writer David Leggat and Andrew Alderson from the Herald on Sunday are covering the England series against the Black Caps and give their expert opinion on what is required for a result at the Basin Reserve.

Fast bowler Doug Bracewell has not recovered in time from his foot injury to be considered for the second ANZ Test against England starting in Wellington on Thursday. The 22-year-old missed the first test in Dunedin, after initially being named in the squad, and has now been ruled out of this week's Test at the Basin Reserve. The Black Caps squad of 13 named for the Dunedin test is unchanged with Ian Butler remaining in place of Bracewell. Head coach Mike Hesson said he has rewarded the squad that delivered such a strong performance against the second ranked Test side in the world.

New Zealand can consider themselves moral victors after the first test draw against England. The world's eighth ranked team exceeded expectations by dominating more than they were dominated against by the second best team. The onus goes on them to sustain that form when the second ANZ test starts in Wellington on Thursday. New Zealand have won only one series in 17 against England at home; further such history can be made.

The Pacific Blue airline pilot convicted of flying carelessly out of Queenstown made a series of mistakes that "seriously impacted" on safety margins, says a judge.

Black Caps century maker Hamish Rutherford talks to the media after his debut 171 runs against England in Dunedin.

Former New Zealand cricket captain Ken Rutherford watched every ball of son Hamish's century on debut at University Oval from his home in Johannesburg.

Wagner picked up opener Alastair Cook's wicket with what he described as a wide half-tracker. Cook whacked it straight to Hamish Rutherford, though. The next delivery was a beauty and definitely part of the plan. If you are going to get Kevin Pietersen's wicket, then your best chance is to strike early. Wagner speared in a full delivery which swung and trapped the classy right-hander in front for a first-ball duck.

England captain Alastair Cook was doing his best to talk up New Zealand's chances.

Herald cricket scribes David Leggat and Andrew Alderson give their expert opinion on the upcoming first test between the Black Caps and England in Dunedin.

Former Australian pace bowler Merv Hughes took a top catch in the crowd off a David Warner six against India.

New Zealand manager Mike Sandle, who only arrived in Dunedin today ahead of the first test against England starting on Wednesday, said Bracewell would undergo a fitness test tomorrow. Bracewell has a foot injury, apparently from cleaning up cut glass following a party at his home in Napier at the weekend.

Three players are in line to win their first test cap when New Zealand face England in the opening match of the three-game series in Dunedin next month. Opener Hamish Rutherford, fellow lefthander Tom Latham and Auckland spinner Bruce Martin have been named in a group of 12 players, with one to be added, to prepare for the test starting at University Oval on March 6.

Cricket fans were evicted from Eden Park for throwing paper darts, trying to start Mexican waves and even cheering too much in a "bonehead" security crackdown.

Three players are in line to win their first test cap when New Zealand face England in the opening match of the three-game series in Dunedin next month.

Herald on Sunday photographer Neville Marriner captured the action off the field at the third one day international between New Zealand and England at Eden Park.

England completed part two of their New Zealand tour, winning the ODI series at Eden Park to go alongside the T20 rubber.

Both sides concede tonight's deciding One Day International could come down to the toss of a coin.

New Zealand's nose-dive to 11 for three in the eighth over was the key moment which ended hopes of consecutive one-day international series victories after the inaugural triumph in South Africa. he New Zealand batsmen did warrant some sympathy. The relentless line and length from England's bowlers was reinforced by fielders not missing balls or dropping catches. It was suffocation

The Herald cricket team of David Leggat and Andrew Alderson review the current England tour of New Zealand and look ahead to the deciding ODI at Eden park, all with an eye towards the looming Test series.