The Taleban's top military commander has been captured in Pakistan.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke combined to rub salt into Pakistan's fresh wounds in the third cricket test in Hobart yesterday.

Taliban fighters have developed a deadly new generation of their most lethal weapon, the improvised explosive device, or IED, which is almost undetectable because it has no metal or electronic parts, military experts said last week.

Pakistan's sports minister has suggested govt intervention after the national cricket team was racially abused during the Napier test.

Among the thoughts to exercise the national selectors' minds after they've tucked into the turkey next week, two stand out.

Man of the match Dan Vettori remains unconvinced about sticking at No 6 long term in the New Zealand test batting lineup.

New Zealanders rewarded after long day in the field.