Former cricketer believes we're the result of an alien experiment.

Under-fire umpire Richard Illingworth has been revealed to be "distraught" over the no-ball howler that had a major impact on the first transtasman test.

The NZ cricketers face a test of their mettle to send retiring captain Brendon McCullum off in style from the second test against Australia starting on Saturday.

Ross Taylor and Mitchell Santner have been ruled out of the Black Caps second ANZ Test against Australia in Christchurch beginning on Saturday.

A circumspect Brendon McCullum and a satisfied Steve Smith fronted captains press conferences this afternoon after Australia's innings and 52 run win.

The No.1 Test ranking is within Australia's grasp after they walloped New Zealand in Wellington but Steve Smith is hungry for a whole lot more.

Black Caps lose by an innings and 52 runs as Australia prove far too good in Wellington.

Umpire Richard Illingworth didn't just diddle New Zealand in Wellington. He stepped over a line, and put the whole of cricket in danger.

Australia made 562 in their first innings against New Zealand in Wellington. The Black Caps are now batting and in need of a minor miracle.

With two full days to play in the opening test, New Zealand appeared to be at their capacity for survival at stumps on the third day.

WATCH: Chris Gayle has mocked the reaction to his controversial Big Bash League interview by repeating his infamous "don't blush" line.

New Zealand bowler Corey Anderson produced a spectacular catch to dismiss Australian batsmen Nathan Lyon today at the Basin Reserve.

When it comes to cricket, there's nothing quite as irritating as the Australian players, writes Heather du Plessis-Allan.

Australia's batting dominated the second day of the first test against New Zealand as they eased to a 280-run lead.

More than one milestone stands out when Stu McCullum reflects on Brendon's career with the Black Caps.

It's not often you get to countermand a New Zealand captain but Brendon McCullum must go down as one of cricket's greats, writes Paul Lewis.

Among the ideas being thrown around to improve test cricket is one involving tossing the coin, or rather not tossing it, writes David Leggat.

Regardless of how the two-test series against Australia ends, the career of Brendon McCullum will be long cherished by cricket fans.

A dubious no-ball call from umpire Richard Illingworth robbed NZ of a fourth wicket before stumps on the opening day of the first cricket test against Australia.

New Zealand's chances of completing their first series win over Australia in 30 years took a retrograde step on the opening day of the first test.

As NZ slumped to 51 for five on the opening day of the first test against Australia, social media accusations turned into a 'whodunnit?' plot of Agatha Christie proportions.