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

Napier, Dec 16 NZPA - The McLean Park wicket block ended the third cricket test between New Zealand and Pakistan under covers, but there was no masking Daniel Vettori's dissatisfaction with a pitch that continues to support batsman over bowler.

Napier, Dec 16 NZPA - New Zealand might finally have an opening partnership they can trust - and a test batsman inside the International Cricket Council's top 10 - but run accumulation continues to give Daniel Vettori an uneasy feeling.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Napier, Dec 15 NZPA - Mohammad Yousuf looked to the grey skies and praised Allah, but a downcast Daniel Vettori cursed the weather gods as the third and final cricket test between New Zealand and Pakistan was condemned to a watery grave at McLean Park today.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Napier, Dec 15 NZPA - Rain dissolved any prospect of an enthralling climax to the final session of a closely fought test cricket series at McLean Park here today, leaving New Zealand and Pakistan to ponder what might have been.

Napier, Dec 15 NZPA - The third and final cricket test between New Zealand and Pakistan has ended in a draw after rain washed out the final session at McLean Park here today.

Wellington, Dec 15 NZPA - Central Districts had the cricket historians thumbing through their resource material after a record breaking Plunket Shield victory today.

Napier, Dec 15 NZPA - Rain has stalled New Zealand's push for victory on the final day of the third cricket test against Pakistan at McLean Park here today.

Set 208 for victory New Zealand were 90 without loss when rain forced the players from the field at 5.34pm (local time).

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.

Wellington, Dec 15 NZPA - Central Districts had the cricket historians thumbing through their resource material after a record breaking Plunket Shield victory today.