New Zealand's middle order batting places are under threat in the event of a further failure against Zimbabwe tonight.

Former Black Cap Nathan Astle says the current side need to stick to a batting plan and the runs will come.

Indian press are reporting Australia opener Brad Haddin is under investigation for slow batting during a World Cup match.

New Zealand bowling coach Allan Donald has gone in to bat for beleaguered young fast-medium bowler Hamish Bennett.

Australia cruised to victory in their group A World Cup match against the Black Caps in Nagpur overnight.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting smashed a television set after being run out during their World Cup match against Zimbabwe, a local official claimed on Tuesday.

Black Caps bowling coach Allan Donald has identified ball preservation as the key to New Zealand continuing to get reverse swing at the Cricket World Cup.

Hamish Bennett has given Daniel Vettori and John Wright a pleasant problem ahead of Friday's clash against Australia.

The Black Caps have opened their World Cup campaign by thrashing Kenya by 10 wickets in less than 32 overs of action.

The Black Caps' form has been poor of late but it is not overstating things to say they have a chance of beating Australia in the pool rounds.

There's the whiff of an upset in the Chennai air, a growing sense that New Zealand might catch Kenya unawares and win tomorrow night.

The 10th Cricket World Cup has been launched following a $40 million opening ceremony in Bangladesh.