In Focus – A fitting finale awaits at the MCG

So it all comes down to this. It will be the Trans-Tasman rivals and tournament co-hosts Australia and New Zealand who will lock horns in the final of the 2015 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. It is a clash that promises to be a real cracker, as games between […]

SPECIALS – A look back at World Cup clashes between New Zealand and South Africa

The fierce rugby union rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks is well-known, with the two sides having fought many an epic battle over the years. New Zealand’s all-conquering side have always considered South Africa as their toughest competitors, and it remains the most captivating game in the rugby calendar. In […]

SPECIALS – Revisiting trans-Tasman clashes at the World Cup

One of the most awaited matches of the 2015 World Cup will be played between New Zealand and Australia, the co-hosts of the tournament, at Auckland’s Eden Park on 28th February. Remarkably, this will be the first complete ODI between the two neighbours since the 2011 World Cup. On the eve of the […]

VIEWPOINT – Wellington victory exhibits Black Caps’ new-found resolve

For the second time in less than a year, the Basin Reserve was witness to an astounding fightback by a tenacious New Zealand side. Finding themselves in another backs-to-the-wall situation, the Black Caps produced one of the best performances in their history to win the series against Sri Lanka. Last February, captain Brendon […]

VIEWPOINT – Time to revive the trans-Tasman rivalry

It is quite a shame that Australia and New Zealand have played each other in only 52 Test matches since the inaugural one-off Test at Wellington in 1945-46. Despite their healthy rivalry, Test match fixtures between the two nations have been disappointingly infrequent. That Test in 1945-46 played a part in Australia refusing […]

IN FOCUS – Winner-takes-all in Barbados, but will the crowds turn up?

New Zealand and the West Indies have traded punches and now the stage is set for the third and final Test, starting later today at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. Thankfully this is not a two-Test series like New Zealand’s last tour to the Caribbean in 2012, and the real benefit of having a […]

IN FOCUS – Black Caps on the way up

The New Zealand Test team is in an unfamiliar situation at the moment. They have climbed to the sixth position in the ICC Test rankings and the squad is having a settled look after a long time. Their 186-run win in the first Test against the West Indies at Kingston is solid proof of […]

VIEWPOINT – A rearguard to remember

Over the years, the glorious game of Test cricket has churned out moments that are forever destined to be part of a nation’s psyche. To name a few, for England, the Ashes victories of 1953, 1981 and 2005 stand out. For Australia, the three Ashes whitewashes and a golden run in the 2000’s are […]

IN FOCUS – India in New Zealand Test series 2013-14 : Preview

Having outplayed India in the limited-overs leg, hosts New Zealand will be buoyed going into the two-Test series. Originally scheduled to be a proper three-Test rubber before a tight calendar meant scrapping one Test at India’s behest, the series provides the visitors with yet another chance to score an elusive away Test win, while […]

IN FOCUS – West Indies in New Zealand Test series 2013-14 : Preview

New Zealand begin an important home summer with a full series against the West Indies. Always a strong opponent to handle in their own backyard, the Black Caps will play host in a three-Test series against a West Indian team who have been woeful in overseas Tests in the past two decades. The Matches […]