Latest from Cricket Analysis

Mark Richardson: Kane Williamson, you are a freak

Kane Williamson, surely, is not human. His brain, surely, does not work like the rest of us, writes Mark Richardson.

Jacob Oram: Eden Park no fortress for NZ sides

The result of tomorrow's game between the Black Caps and Australia doesn't really matter but it's one both sides will be desperate to win.

Dylan Cleaver: You call it sledging, I call it abuse

Modern-day sledging is utterly charmless, simply not funny or clever any more, and is just verbal assault.

Watson compared to fruit fly

Shane Watson has taken a battering at Australian training this afternoon... before he faced a delivery.

Cricket: Long wait to take on Australia

It's been 1464 days since the last time the Black Caps played Australia in an ODI match

The has-been who shattered records

The game’s most violent batsman is feeling his age but he has defied the odds - and critics - again.

David Leggat: Discount vibrant India at your peril

India's vibrant performance in cleaning up South Africa in Melbourne on Sunday night has doubtless rejigged the betting markets for the World Cup, writes David Leggat.

Cricket: Real test for Aussies

Whichever pairing comes out on top on Saturday at Eden Park will have gone a long way towards setting their side up for victory.

Tony Blain: McCullum attracts attention of opponents

Brendon McCullum's lethal ambush of the England bowlers at the Cake Tin the other day will no doubt have got the attention of the numerous coaching entourages, Tony Blain writes

Jacob Oram: Black Caps have talent to go the distance

I was fortunate enough to play in three World Cups, yet I think the current Black Caps squad would easily dispose of any of those World Cup teams I played in, writes Jacob Oram.

Dylan Cleaver: Nelson may see final sinking of West Indies

When talk turns to salivating opening-round match-ups, it usually centres on Melbourne, where Australia meets England, or Adelaide, where those great foes India and Pakistan will meet.

David Leggat: Sri Lanka's Malinga factor shifts the balance

New Zealand will know what to expect if, as expected, Lasith Malinga marks out his runup against them in the World Cup opener on Saturday.

Chris Rattue: Hot Spot moments add thrill to game

How can the international cricket mob expect us to take the World Cup seriously when they don't? Come on, troops, get with the programme.

Mark Greatbatch: New innings balls sort best from the rest

Each World Cup seems to throw up something fresh for which they are remembered.

Paul Lewis: Williamson's dedication augurs well for Cup

Mark Richardson: Pesky Aussies to steal our thunder

Kyle Mills: We can win the World Cup

With creative and seasoned batsmen, a fine wicketkeeper and classy bowlers, the NZ camp is quietly confident.

Cricket: NZ takes a squad approach to Cup

It's time to apply some rugby terminology to the cricket World Cup preparations, like thinking in terms of a first XV rather than first XI.