Napier, Dec 11 NZPA - New Zealand were 47 without loss in reply to Pakistan's first innings of 223 at stumps on the opening day of the third cricket test at McLean Park here today, a deficit of 176.

Napier, Dec 11 NZPA - Pakistan has been dismissed for 223 in their first innings on the opening day of the third cricket test against New Zealand at McLean Park here today,

Napier, Dec 11 NZPA - Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and final cricket test against New Zealand at McLean Park here today.

New Zealand made two changes from the side beaten by 141 runs in Wellington last week.

The International Cricket Council today confirmed the remaining fixtures in its first-class tournament, the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2009-10, with everything leading towards next November's final, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Napier, Dec 11 NZPA - As Shane Bond's test cricket career hangs in the balance and Iain O'Brien becomes the first confirmed departure from an aging pace attack, New Zealand's selection panel probably view Pakistan's pace battery with a degree of envy.

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 - It's an affliction Tim McIntosh and Daniel Flynn would happily accept in the test cricket series against Pakistan, but New Zealand's leading batsman Ross Taylor admits to be irritated by a new tendency to get out when a century beckons.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA Napier, Dec 9 NZPA - BJ Watling was calm enough to at least talk a good game in the lead-up to his inheriting one of New Zealand cricket's most thankless and seemingly forlorn tasks at test level.

Napier, Dec 9 NZPA - Factbox on New Zealand test cricket opening partnership combinations since 2000 (eight innings minimum): Matthew Bell/Mark Richardson: 8 innings 534 runs, average 65.50, 2 x 100 stands, 2 x 50 Mark Richardson/Lou Vincent: 19, 745, 41.38, 2/2 Matt Horne/Mark Richar

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.