That's what happens when you sweep something under the carpet. It rarely disappears; it just gets bigger and bigger until you trip over it.

The loss of the captaincy can be directly linked to a slump in test batting form for Ross Taylor.

Someone once said that, when reading a newspaper, he always turned to the sports pages first, as there he found people's achievements - whereas the front page showcased only human failings.

An awkward moment preceded the final overs in New Zealand's third test draw against England. At 304 for eight, Jimmy Anderson offered a catch to Ross Taylor at first slip off Kane Williamson.

Time was when you wondered if New Zealand touring teams were actually picked out of a hat, such were the head-scratching choices of the selectors.

Former Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor has admitted that he is still not comfortable in the Black Caps team environment following New Zealand's dramatic draw with England.

New Zealand will awake this morning with the bitter taste of a job not completed at Eden Park.

The words of Shane Bond on Sunday night kept ringing in the ears.

New Zealand has fallen painfully short of winning the third cricket test - and the series - against England, despite a dramatic finish at Eden Park this afternoon.

New Zealand are within striking distance of a second home series victory in 18 attempts over England at stumps on the fourth day of the final test.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said "I make circumstances". Brendon McCullum mimicked him yesterday.

England rattled New Zealand's cage late in the day but New Zealand are in charge of the deciding test at Eden Park with two days remaining.

The Black Caps have made a horror start to their second innings of the third test against England at Eden Park, losing three quick wickets.

Eden Park, already becoming known for its rather unfriendly welcome to cricket fans through over-zealous security, could win another dubious title - the venue to surrender the most sixes in a test in cricket history.

Canterbury opener Peter Fulton booked a return flight to England this year, at the same time throwing into doubt the immediate test future of New Zealand's cricketer of the year.

New Zealand fans may have witnessed the first genuine signs their national team is rebuilding successfully on the opening day of the third test against England.

Canterbury opener Peter Fulton has brought up his maiden test century for the Black Caps against England on the first day of the third test in Auckland.

New Zealand Cricket would be "crazy" not to tap into the wisdom of its former test captains, according to chief executive David White.

For different reasons, the third test between the Black Caps and England starting at Eden Park today is a huge contest for New Zealand.

Win the toss and bowl. Both New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson believe that strategy has much to commend it in home test matches.

If New Zealand don't arrive at Eden Park on Friday morning full of self-belief something's seriously wrong, writes David Leggat. Consider the backdrop.