Iain O'Brien's BLACKCAPS team mates have paid tribute to the 33-year old medium pace bowler, who retired from international cricket today.

Wellington, Dec 15 NZPA - Pakistani all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been named in the Otago team to play Auckland in their second-round one-day cricket match in Auckland on Thursday.

Napier, Dec 15 NZPA - The master handed over the responsibility for guaranteeing Pakistan's survival to the apprentice at McLean Park yesterday, offering New Zealand hope of securing a rare test cricket series victory.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Napier, Dec 14 NZPA - Martin Guptill revelled in his surprise change of job description before one of New Zealand's frontline bowlers added a potential twist to third cricket test against Pakistan at McLean Park here today.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Napier, Dec 13 NZPA - Daniel Vettori made another crucial contribution to keeping New Zealand on the front foot -- but it is Pakistan spin rival Danish Kaneria who could have the biggest bearing on the third cricket test's outcome at McLean Park.

Napier, Dec 12 NZPA - Pakistan will be hoping Imran Farhat's crystal ball proves as reliable as his batting after New Zealand grabbed the early ascendancy in the third cricket test despite the centurion's face-saving innings at McLean Park.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Napier, Dec 10 NZPA - Daniel Vettori has resorted to throwing underarm and needs back-up when chasing in the field as a chronic shoulder injury plagues his performance in the test cricket series with Pakistan.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA Napier, Dec 10 NZPA - New Zealand may revise their recent policy of playing two spinners in the Napier cricket test after indications the pitch for the series finale with Pakistan will favour the quick men.

Napier, Dec 9 NZPA - Iain O'Brien's plans to help New Zealand to a series victory over Pakistan in his final cricket test had a potential setback today when he aggravated a finger injury.

Wellington, Dec 8 NZPA - An outstanding 150 from former international Michael Papps brought Canterbury surprisingly close to stealing a win in their one-day cricket match against Central Districts in Rangiora today.