Funny to think about it now, but Steve Smith began his test career as a leg spin bowler and batting No8.

Six weeks after Chris Cairns walked into the Southwark Crown Court to stand trial, the jury has heard all the witnesses.

Paraphrased conversation with a couple of seasoned Oz journalists on Thursday night: "We'd love to see your blokes playing well, and at the MCG."

Usman Khawaja is backing David Warner to give the world record individual test score a real shake at the Waca tomorrow.

David Warner's highest test score, and Usman Khawaja's second century in consecutive tests destroyed New Zealand on the opening day of the second test.

New Zealand strike bowler was on the receiving end of a stream of verbal sprays from Australian fans yesterday.

Cricket's controversial review system is once again doing the Black Caps no favours early on in the second test against Australia in Perth.

Honest cricket players walk when they know they're out, but Cairns showed an "arrogance beyond belief", court told.

Lou Vincent "bared his soul" in an English courtroom knowing he would be grilled about cheating, lying and sex with a prostitute.

In summing up the Crown case, Sasha Wass QC compared the cricketer to the disgraced cyclist as two men whose cheating and corruption brought shame on the sport.

The leader of the Black Caps' pace attack will be given every chance to be ready to play in Perth.

Australians tend not to shower New Zealand cricketers with praise. But Kane Williamson's superb 140 at the Gabba has them taking notice.

New Zealand reckon they know the best recipe for putting the skids under Australia's batting lineup, but it won't be easy.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the most phlegmatic of them all?

Allan Border would pick Kane Williamson - over AB de Villiers, Steve Smith and David Warner - to bat for his life.

One of London's top lawyers will sum up the prosecution case against Chris Cairns in a final bid to convince the jurors of cricketer's fall from grace.

New Zealand reckon they know the best recipe for putting the skids under Australia's batting lineup, but it won't be easy.

The Devon Hotel Central Stags overcame a host of early woe to nail a tense T20 cricket chase - thanks in no small part to 18-year-old Josh Clarkson.

There's no guarantee Neil Wagner will make the second test team to face Australia, but his enthusiasm remains firmly intact.

Mark Greatbatch's epic 146 not out in almost 11 hours was the key to NZ's escape when they drew their only test at Perth, against Australia in November 1989.

An Australian umpire says big bats have made the game so dangerous that umpires need to wear helmets.

New Zealand have a far better recent record in Perth - the scene of the second test - than in Brisbane.

Kane Williamson has climbed to a career-high in the International Cricket Council's batting ratings.

Andrew Fitch-Holland was accused of concocting a "convoluted explanation" of a recorded call with Lou Vincent in order to put an "innocent meaning on guilty words".

Australia planning a fast-bowling assault to knock the Black Caps out of the series when the second cricket test starts on Friday.

Barring a late hiccup, expect Tim Southee to lead New Zealand's bowling attack in the crucial second test against Australia.

While laments continue about New Zealand's tepid bowling attack the Aussies have challenged their quicks to do a better job in Perth.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann says Mitchell Starc has to find a "happy medium" when it comes to his on-field temper.