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.

Australia captain Michael Clarke has blasted four suspended players for disrespecting head coach Mickey Arthur over the controversial homework-gate affair.

The broken beer bottle which lacerated Doug Bracewell's foot may have seen him squeezed out of New Zealand's swollen seam bowling stocks.

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.

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.

English fast bowler Steven Finn and Black Caps Tim Southee give their teams thoughts as they both prepare for the Test match in Dunedin.

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.

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.

Ross Taylor's century against England in Napier may have seemed like the former skipper announcing himself back into the New Zealand setup, after sitting out the South African tour in December-January. However the former skipper reckons he's never left it. Taylor's even 100, his seventh ODI century, was his best innings by far since coming back into the national team after losing the leadership.

New Zealand cricket teams have always prided themselves on their fighting qualities. At times their has been a shortage of true class in their teams. But grit and resolve have been on hand to make New Zealand's reputation as a unit who will make opponents work for their success. That was one of the most pleasing parts of New Zealand's three-wicket win over England at Hamilton's Seddon Park last night, for captain Brendon McCullum.

The Black Caps have chased down England's first innings target of 258 to win the first ODI in Hamilton.

One match each and the decider being played this evening, Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum will bowl first if given the chance, and English paceman Steven Finn welcomes the Kiwis aggression in the field.

Black Caps fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan spoke to the media as the English and Kiwis traveled to Wellington to contest the deciding T20 match with the teams locked at one game all.