Cricket News

ESPNcricinfo previews the first Test of the English summer at Lord's

Alastair Cook has denied making any ultimatum over the possible England recall of Kevin Pietersen, but admitted he agreed to the decision not to include him in the team's plans for the summer

For Tim Southee, who only landed in England two days ago, Lord's provides reminders of success but he was wary of building up New Zealand's chances

Worcestershire lost their last six wickets for 22 runs as New Zealand completed their preparations for the Test series with a second warm-up win

Martin Guptill showed some fine form to press his claims further for a Test recall while the battle for New Zealand's third seam still looks tight

Hamish Rutherford top-scored with 75 for the New Zealanders in Worcester but they were largely kept in check by the hosts

The most striking aspect of the Investec summer launch came in the contrast between Ian Bell's understandably guarded responses, and the utter relaxation of Grant Elliot, nevertheless taken aback by the headlines around English cricket in the past 48 hour

England may feel they have rid themselves of one devil having informed Kevin Pietersen he will not be considered for selection this season but they will inherit another with Adam Lyth set to become the 666th Test cricketer for England having been named in

Martin Guptill has not played a Test in the last two years but he is in line for a recall at Lord's next week. Like the rest of Brendon McCullum's side, he is quietly confident of acquitting himself

Nick Beard, the Otago spinner, has had his bowling action cleared after he underwent biometric testing in Australia

Natalie Dodd, Maddie Green and Leigh Kasperek have been included in the New Zealand women's squad that will tour India for five ODIs and three T20 internationals in June

New Zealand took just over 90 minutes to get their tour underway with a 66-run victory at Taunton and their coach, Mike Hesson, delivered a calm message of confidence

New Zealand's former chief selector, Bruce Edgar, has called for a full review of New Zealand Cricket's "management style and process" after his recent departure from the organisation

New Zealand have become quite accustomed to winning over the last 18 months and are well on course to begin their tour of the UK with victory

New Zealand left-arm seamer Ben Wheeler took to England at the first time of asking with five cheap wickets to add to Somerset's batting gloom

BJ Watling made an unbeaten half-century as the New Zealanders stuttered to 202 for 7 on a rain-affected day in Taunton

Derbyshire have added to their collection of overseas players for 2015 by bringing in New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford

New Zealand have arrived in England but they are determined not to make any ripples. At least not yet. For all their on-field panache, it is New Zealand's style to keep things low key

Bruce Edgar has stood down from his role as New Zealand's chief selector after failing to come to terms with New Zealand Cricket on a new contract

New Zealand are not used to arriving in England to any sort of a fanfare but the phalanx of TV cameras that greeted Ross Taylor's diplomatic platitudes told another story