Half centuries by Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor consolidated New Zealand's innings after a worrying start.

The Black Caps recovered from a horror start to be 75 for two at lunch on the opening day of the first cricket test against Pakistan.

The usual edge of anticipation for the first home test of summer was in place at University Oval yesterday.

Two former casualties of the NZ Cricket coaching shake-up are grooming a vulnerable batting line-up for tomorrow's first test against Pakistan.

Jesse Ryder faced a misconduct charge on his return from South Africa, the latest chapter in a chequered two-year international career.

A shoulder injury is posing a real problem for the Black Caps captain.

The consensus view is New Zealand needs a manager to ease the pressure on Dan Vettori, writes Andrew Alderson.

The New Zealand cricket team have lost by 49 runs to world champions Pakistan after another fragile batting effort this morning.

The Black Caps clinch their first away series defeat of Pakistan with a thrilling seven-run win in Abu Dhabi today.

Daniel Vettori will see a surgeon on his return from the UAE as he battles a chronic shoulder injury.

NZ captain Daniel Vettori wants momentum to carry his inconsistent team to victory in the third and final ODI against Pakistan tomorrow morning.