By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 20 NZPA - Captain Daniel Vettori again holds the New Zealand cricket team's fate in his hands after his batting fightback saved their blushes in the first test against Australia here today.

Wellington, March 20 NZPA - Marcus North reached his fourth test century as Australia declared their first innings at 459 for five on the second day of the first cricket test against New Zealand here today.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Michael Clarke soaked up a standing Basin Reserve ovation then doffed his cap to his ex-fiancee as he ground New Zealand's bowlers into submission in the first cricket test here today.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Australia's vice-captain Michael Clarke put a horror fortnight behind him, scoring his 14th test century to wrest control of the first cricket test away from New Zealand here today.

Wellington, March 19 NZPA - Australian captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bat first in the first cricket test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve here today.

Wellington, March 18 NZPA - Teams and factbox for tomorrow's first cricket test between New Zealand and Australia at the Basin Reserve here (11am start NZT):-

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 18 NZPA - New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori has hinted at a debut for Northern Districts seamer Brent Arnel in tomorrow's first test against Australia here.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 18 NZPA - Both sides will complete their first cricket test preparations today, with New Zealand hoping the Wellington gale continues to help throw the Australian pacemen off their stride.

By Vaughan Elder for NZPA

Wellington, March 16 NZPA - New Zealand fast bowler Chris Martin is looking forward to the cricketing challenge of facing the might of Australia at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

By Mark Geenty of NZPA

Wellington, March 15 NZPA - New Zealand's test side assemble in Wellington today with some leftover confidence but also the knowledge they'll need to play out of their skins to stop Australia steamrolling them in the two-match series starting here on Friday.