Podcasts about Grandhomme

Vu sur Focus Africa : L'Afrique à Nantes (10) L'Afrique à Nantes:  Entrevue avec Cyrille Prévaud, directeur adjoint de Tissé Métisse, et Hélène Grandhomme, responsable du fonds documentaire. Retour sur l'histoire du festival de l'association, ses moments phares et présentation du fonds documentaire. https://tisse-metisse.org https://www.facebook.com/tissemetisse  – Rencontre avec Mohamed Camara, musicien, percussionniste originaire de Guinée. Fondateur de l'Etna Afro Festival ainsi que de l'association de percussions […] Cet article provient de Radio AlterNantes FM

More from Manoj Badale, lead owner of the Rajasthan Royals, plus we are joined by a very special guest - NZ legend and Mattchin lookalike Colin de Grandhomme.

Aussie bowling legend Glenn McGrath joins us to discuss Bazball, The Ashes and memories of bowling in tandem with the late, great Shane Warne. Plus County Cricket Week 1, Colin de Grandhomme and what pants does Mattchin wear?

Adelaide Strikers, Colin de Grandhomme joined Josh Jenkins and Jordan Kounelis - wrapping last night's loss to the Hurricanes and chatting the BBL season so far.

Josh Jenkins & Jordan Kounelis were joined by: Australian Master of the Amateurs Co-Founder & Tournament Director Peter Mann, Adelaide Strikers Colin de Grandhomme, Aussie Basketball great Phil Smyth & SEN Cricket's Rachael Haynes

- Why should I play SuperCoach BBL this summer? - I see Mike Hussey is involved this year; how can I take him on? - Can you play KFC SuperCoach and not pick Rashid Khan? - What about Travis Head and Alex Carey? (Will be away on Test duties to start) - The Strikers surprised most at the BBL draft when they picked Kiwi all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme. At $125k, could he be a KFC SuperCoach bargain?

Welcome to another episode of the podcast! We are happy to have a new guest - a budding cricket statistician and podcaster Rhitankar (@rhitankar8616) in this episode. Games covered - Asia cup 2022 - first 3 games of the super 4s. - ENG v SA: 2nd Test wrap up. - AUS v ZIM: 3rd ODI. - AUS v NZ: 1st ODI. Other News - Star Disney bags ICC broadcast rights for the 2024-27 cycle. - Colin de Grandhomme retires from all internationals. - Dottin the hero for TKR-W as they lift the inaugural WCPL. - Oval Invincibles women retain the hundred title thanks to Kapp's allround efforts. - Mushfiqur Rahim retires from T20is. - Suresh Raina retires from domestic cricket and IPL. ______________________________________________________________________________ Listen to us and get in touch: On Spotify On Apple podcasts On Google podcasts On Pocket Casts On Breaker On RadioPublic Via Twitter Via Facebook Via E-mail Please do subscribe to our podcast and let us know what you think in the comments section of the podcasting app, via mail or on social media. Leave us a 5-star rating on any platform or app (like apple podcasts) you use to listen to us. Thanks!

GM of High Performance at NZ Cricket Bryan Stronach joins Piney to discuss Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme deciding to walk out of their NZ contracts and the difficulties faced by players wanting to play other leagues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rightio, Colin de Grandhomme retired so there's that (8:47). Breaking down the various entanglements of his decision. Then onwards with some Wellington Phoenix season building after their Aussie Cup exit (28:37). There's a Football Ferns preview ahead of the Mexico/Philippines games (38:15). And then a run through of the best Kiwi-NRL development clubs from outside the top eight of the NRL (44:36). Get amongst. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecache Email newsletter: https://thenichecache.substack.com Aotearoa sports blog: https://www.theniche-cache.com

Quite a week for Colin de Grandhomme.First the kiwi allrounder was a shock pick by the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL draft - THEN it turned out he wasn't eligible to even go in the draft due to his contract with NZ Cricket and NOW he's got around that issue by retiring from the international game. On the Front Foot host Bryan Waddle helped untangle the whole situation with D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Sportstalk, D'Arcy Waldegrave was joined by Byran Waddle to discuss Colin de Grandhomme's surprise retirement following selection in the Big Bash league. Also, Wanaka skiier Ben Hemmington is back in competition following his horror crash at the Beijing Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Black Caps player has quit the side - Colin de Grandhomme has opted to jump the ditch to play in Australia's Big Bash League. The all rounder was a surprise inclusion in the Adelaide side this week, despite still being on contract for the Black Caps. But today he's announced he's finished playing international cricket for New Zealand. Our sports reporter Clay Wilson joins Lisa Owen in studio.  

Dylan Cleaver and Paul Ford join Jason Hoyte for another episode of NZ's #1 cricket podcast, the BYC Podcast. In this episode, the guys discuss the Black Caps squad for the Chappell-Hadlee ODI series, the BBL draft controversy and break the news of Colin de Grandhomme's retirement from the Black Caps. Plus, Paul Ford's 'New or Ruse' and 'Cricket Violence Corner' both make a return!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket say they're confident there won't be a mass exodus of Black Caps players to high-paying Twenty20 leagues, after the international retirement of Colin de Grandhomme yesterday. The 36-year-old has been a crucial cog in the New Zealand test team in recent years, and leaves to play in the big money Big Bash League in Australia. With salaries are set soar in the likes of the Indian Premier League and England's Hundred competition, former Black Cap Hamish Bennett says it's getting harder to turn down the lucrative leagues. He spoke to Susie Ferguson.

There have been some big movements amongst New Zealand Cricket. First Trent Boult and now Colin de Grandhomme has called time on his international career. De Grandhomme will instead move to the more lucrative Big Bash league in Australia after somewhat surprisingly being picked in their draft. Many are suggesting this may be the future of the sport, with players choosing money over their country. Former Blackcap and Otago Sparks coach Craig Cumming joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adelaide Strikers coach Jason 'Dizzy' Gillespie joined The Rush Hour with Bernie, Blewey & Jars after the first ever BBL Draft.  Strikers picked up Rashid Khan, Colin de Grandhomme and Adam Hose, three exciting prospects that Gillespie believes perfectly compliment their existing roster, along with big new domestic signings like Chris Lynn.  Dizzy also talked about why it is none of the biggest names being touted ahead of the BBL Draft, like Faf du Plessis or Andre Russell were snapped up and what Cricket Australia and the broadcasters may need to talk about given the challenges of availability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the show, we discuss the second England v South Africa Test, the confusing events of the BBL draft and the upcoming tours to India and Australia for NZ A and the Black Caps. England bounced back in a big way after their first Test loss of the home summer, demolishing South Africa in just three days. We talk about Dean Elgar's decision to bat first and play two spinners, the up-and-down nature of the Ben Foakes conversation and whether Ben Stokes is more like Andrew Flintoff or Ian Botham. As the episode continues, we look back at a BBL draft that became a lot more interesting when the Adelaide Strikers selected Colin de Grandhomme. Has CDG retired from international cricket? How did this happen? We're all very confused. Then we look ahead to upcoming tours to India and Australia for New Zealand's men's teams and the return of the A programme, featuring the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Joe Walker, Matt Fisher and Ben Lister. We'll have another episode dropping into your feed later this week - the next edition of our Test Cricket Hall of Fame - but in the meantime, please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on https://twitter.com/Toporderpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Toporderpod (Facebook), & @thetoporderpodcast on https://www.instagram.com/thetoporderpodcast/ (Instagram)) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content at our https://www.thetoporderpodcast.com/ (website), and a few of our episodes are available on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA (YouTube) - we're slowly chipping away at populating this channel. You can also dip back into our guest episodes - including our recent conversation with Sophie Devine, plus chats with Wasim Khan, Shane Bond, Mike Hussey, Ish Sodhi, Katey Martin, Bharat Sundaresan and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

England's dismal run of nine Tests without a win finally came to an end as they completed the third-highest chase at Lord's!Join Dan, Zac, and Glenn as they run through all the main talking points from an entertaining and somewhat chaotic first Test versus New Zealand. Joe Root appeared to relish his new post-captaincy role, Matthew Potts impressed on debut, and Ben Foakes finally looks like fulfilling his potential. However, England's top order still struggled, showing everything certainly isn't perfect under Rob Key's new regime.New Zealand's specialist batters also failed, and poor Colin de Grandhomme had a match to forget. Will they bounce back and beat England at Trent Bridge later this week?All that, plus a look at how our Blast fantasy teams are faring (not well!) and a round-up of international action. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Twitter: @RainStoppedPodAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After Peerson gives us some unorthodox study advice, we begin the show by reflecting on an astounding test match. WE DISCUSS whether it was truly a case of a brilliant new beginning for the English or whether it was more a New Zealand team in decline. PLUS, just how important was that de Grandhomme run-out? - Prabs thinks, very. We also play a round of PITIFUL PREDICTIONS by reminding Peerson of a few he has made about Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope. Next, we bring in NAVOD, OUR SRI LANKAN CORRESPONDENT, to preview the upcoming three-format series with Australia. There is split opinion over Steve Smith being in the team. This leads us on to a discussion of whether genuine three-format players still exist. Next, we touch base with our very own professional cricketer, SCOTT EDWARDS. Finally, we get you up-to-date on who's performing well in the T20 Blast. Make sure to LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE, AND FILL OUT THE POLL ON SPOTIFY!

After Peerson gives us some unorthodox study advice, we begin the show by reflecting on an astounding test match. WE DISCUSS whether it was truly a case of a brilliant new beginning for the English or whether it was more a New Zealand team in decline. PLUS, just how important was that de Grandhomme run-out? - Prabs thinks, very. We also play a round of PITIFUL PREDICTIONS by reminding Peerson of a few he has made about Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope. Next, we bring in NAVOD, OUR SRI LANKAN CORRESPONDENT, to preview the upcoming three-format series with Australia. There is split opinion over Steve Smith being in the team. This leads us on to a discussion of whether genuine three-format players still exist. Next, we touch base with our very own professional cricketer, SCOTT EDWARDS. Finally, we get you up-to-date on who's performing well in the T20 Blast. Make sure to LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE, AND FILL OUT THE POLL ON SPOTIFY!

Wow massive podcast this week!  (01:43) - Jacko and Lugsy join me to have a quick debrief from the 1st Test at Lords between NZ and England. What went wrong for NZ? What went right for England? We really dive into the Colin de Grandhomme dismissal (a lot). We also have a new segment called "Is this Village?" where a certain quirk of our game comes into question and the boys try to decipher it.  (22:02) - Current Blackcap Ish Sodhi joins the pod, we talk about the NZ England Test Series. What its like to play in the UK, what its like to play under McCullum, the challenges of being a spin bowler in NZ and attempting to play Test Cricket. Why Red ball and White ball leg spin is so different. And most importantly what it was like playing Club Cricket against myself ( I was 12th man but thats irrelavent) (48:24) - Coach Corner, Ish Sodhi talks about what its like being "in the zone" where everything is going his way. And then on the flipside when his form and confidence is low and how easy it changes. If you enjoyed this or any other episodes, please share, rate and review ( Dont know how it helps but everyone says it does!) Thank You! Host - Matt Hunter (Munter) Guests - Ish Sodhi, Jackson Latham & Simon Cromarty Socials - https://linktr.ee/maximumcricket Email - maximumcricket21@gmail.com Logo - Created by https://www.instagram.com/joy_creations_nz/

Plenty of wickets have fallen on the first day of the opening cricket test between England and New Zealand at Lord's. New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first, they lost their first 4 wickets for just 12 runs with an unbeaten 42 from Colin de Grandhomme helping them through to 132. De Grandhomme says it was a tough wicked to bat on. In reply England ended the day on 116 for 7, with Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson taking 2 wickets each. Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgenson spoke to Susie Ferguson.

New Zealand have surged back from adversity on the opening day of the first test against England at Lord's.The visitors were dismissed for 132 and looked to have conceded first innings honours to the hosts who reached 59 without loss and kept the momentum going to 92 for two.Then, in the space of 28 balls, the world champions took five wickets for eight runs to reshape the balance of the match.England were 116 for seven at stumps with Ben Foakes and Stuart Broad the not-out batsmen.The attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson shared the spoils by bowling in attacking partnerships.Initially, the value of a first-class diet leading into the test series made a robust case.The host XI featured 10 players – with Jonny Bairstow the Indian Premier League returning exception – who have toiled in white through the English autumn.The visitors had two – Will Young for Northamptonshire and Colin de Grandhomme for Surrey – slotting into that category.De Grandhomme top-scoring with 42 not out felt like no accident. The Black Caps' anaemic effort was riddled with tentativeness and indecision, which saw the top four each offer spoils to the slip cordon to reduce them to 12 for four.Captain Kane Williamson won the toss and made what appeared a logical decision to bat. The taupe pitch looked ripe for runs, on the proviso the first session could be negotiated.England's pace bowler custodians James Anderson and Broad, along with debutant Matthew Potts, ensured it couldn't. Youngster Matthew Potts took four wickets on debut for England. Photo / PhotosportSmarting from recent dubious handling by the selectors, the rhythm of Anderson and tenacity of Broad unleashed contagion on the New Zealand dressing room before Potts brought unbridled bustle.The instruction from the new coach-captain combination of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes to play with freedom helped release any pent-up tactical confusion - although the same policy had limits with the bat.Bairstow contributed to the domination with three catches at third slip as part of a cordon which eventually peaked at five slips and a gully. A leg slip also cameoed at one point as the attacking umbrella bloomed.One can only imagine the rustling of gear bags, crackling of velcro and the clattering of spikes down the home and visitors' stairwells in the pavilion across the day with 17 wickets falling and players turning the bacon-and-egg tie clad Long Room into a revolving door.Tellingly in the Black Caps innings, 59 of the first 66 balls leading to the first drinks were dots or wickets. New Zealand's batting was guilty of hesitancy outside off stump, but England executed their bowling and fielding with precision.The Black Caps top order formed what resembled a Fibonacci sequence – Will Young 1, Tom Latham 1, Kane Williamson 2, Devon Conway 3. Oh, the relief when Daryl Mitchell moved from five to nine with a rare boundary.That joy was brief.The knowledgeable Lord's crowd had just finished a round of applause as New Zealand moved to 27 for four – past their own world record lowest score of 26 from 1955 - when Mitchell chopped on to Potts for 13.The right-armer also had Williamson caught behind by Ben Foakes. The captain's soft hands failed him once too often.Potts also seared through Tom Blundell's stumps for 14 and pouched two catches at long leg off Anderson before an adoring Mound Stand.He took four for 13 from 9.2 overs before suffering cramp. Anderson finished with four for 66 from 16 overs.New Zealand had already endured what they hoped was a cosmetic blemish, slipping to 19 for six against the First-Class Counties XI at Chelmsford, so this presented a further blow to their batting credibility.The argument that McCullum's appointment might have spooked the visitors is also too simplistic.In a global cricketing village anyone could gather intellectual property which might prove parlous to the New Zealand cause. Such analysis would see...

The third episode of the returning 3 Feathers Podcast sees Mark joined by Wisden Cricket Monthly Editor-in-Chief, Phil Walker. Churchy and Phil talk about Surrey's big win over Somerset - including a special innings from opener Ryan Patel - and look ahead to this week's trip to Bristol to play Gloucestershire, including potential debuts from Dan Worrall and new signing Colin de Grandhomme.If you can't make it to Bristol, watch the coverage of the game, courtesy of Gloucestershire, on YouTube and the Club website, kiaoval.com. Please follow the Club on social media, @surreycricket on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Centuries from Martin Guptill and Will Young helped the Black Caps complete a series sweep against the Netherlands and send Ross Taylor out a winner.While the retiring great was dismissed for 14 in his final innings for New Zealand, it was fitting for that pair in particular to lead the way with the bat and set up a 115-run triumph at Seddon Park tonight.Guptill, who made Taylor best man at his wedding, compiled 106 for his 17th ODI ton, breaking a tie with Nathan Astle and moving second on this country's all-time standings. Young, whose playing time would likely increase in Taylor's absence, cracked 120 for his second century of the series and second of his career.The pair put on 203 runs from 205 balls for the second wicket, laying the platform for the Black Caps to make 333-8.In reply, the Netherlands were dismissed for 218 in the 43rd over as New Zealand ended a disrupted summer with a 3-0 victory over the minnows.That result was rarely in doubt, with the Dutch proving competitive in their first series against the Black Caps but only briefly threatening an upset.That was snuffed out when Tom Latham's ton pulled his side out of a 32-5 hole in the second match at Seddon Park, where Guptill and Young also found the conditions to their liking today.After a faint edge saw Henry Nicholls depart in the fifth over, Guptill slowly found his timing and reached 50 by pulling for six. Young then followed him to the milestone in the 35th over as the Black Caps reached 122-1 at the halfway mark.Guptill soon surpassed 7000 ODI runs, the fourth Kiwi to achieve that feat after Taylor, Stephen Fleming and Astle, before bringing up a 119-ball ton with another six.That was followed by the wicket the crowd wanted, with Taylor coming to the crease in time to congratulate Young for reaching three figures from 102 deliveries.Unfortunately for the fans, Taylor's stay was brief and his wicket saw the Black Caps lose 4-14. But the damage had been done and some late hitting from Doug Bracewell carried the total out of the tourists' reach.That was despite a fine opening knock from Stephan Myburgh, who followed Taylor into ODI retirement by smashing 64 from 43 balls.His dismissal by Colin de Grandhomme saw the chase falter before Matt Henry took four wickets to close out the victory, one eventually completed by a Taylor catch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The standard Variery goodness. Mindfulness to start, shout outs Geoffrey Chaucer (3:32), and then it's onto it with the Hot Takes. Winston Reid's All Whites rennaissance (7:46) and the White Ferns being exactly who they are in this World Cup (12:21) get that airtime. Vitamin Stats deslivers some Chris Wood x Newcastle stuff (13:10) and Leo Thompson's promising NRL debut (16:46), then we go Deep in the Mangroves to find Steven Adams talking about culture building (19:50) and a Colin de Grandhomme form guide (22:00). Questions see us talking NBA guards & NRL halves (26:31), as well as top performing Kiwi-NRL lads from week one (33:32). And there are some Musical Jams to close (36:38). Get amongst it.

This week on the show we discuss a bounce back performance by South Africa to draw the Test series with the Black Caps, then try to make sense of the upcoming England Test tour to the West Indies and recap a winning week for Auckland and Otago on the NZ domestic circuit. There are plenty of apologies during the New Zealand v South Africa segment as we examine what changed so drastically from the first Test to the second. Where did it go wrong for the Black Caps? How did Dean Elgar and his side get things so right? Who else thought Colin de Grandhomme's international career was over? Is this a sign of things to come for South Africa? And are NZ's dreams of retaining the World Test Championship mace all but over? Later in the show, we briefly move away from New Zealand to discuss the upcoming West Indies v England series. We talk about our expectations for both sides, and whether there's a way back for Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson during the English home summer. And then we round things off with shout outs to a few winners on the NZ domestic circuit, with the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and Ford Trophy seasons coming to a close, as well as recapping an impressive win for the White Ferns during the World Cup warm up matches. We'll be back in your feed next week to discuss the many different international series and tournaments going on around the world. In the meantime, if you haven't already, please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on https://twitter.com/Toporderpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Toporderpod (Facebook), & @thetoporderpodcast on https://www.instagram.com/thetoporderpodcast/ (Instagram)) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our https://www.thetoporderpodcast.com/ (website), and a few of our episodes are available on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA (YouTube) - we're slowly chipping away at populating this channel. You can also dip back into our guest episodes - including our most recent conversation with Kristy Havill previewing the Women's World Cup, plus chats with Wasim Khan, Ajaz Patel, Dion Nash, Colin 'Funky' Miller, George Dobell and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

A Colin de Grandhomme century and two vintage Neil Wagner wickets have given the Black Caps hope, but they'll still need to accomplish a rare feat for another test victory over South Africa.South Africa reached stumps on day three of the second test at Hagley Oval at 140-5, holding a lead of 211 runs as the Black Caps hunt for their first test series victory over the Proteas.While a crucial pair of Wagner wickets in the final session opened an avenue into the South African tail order, the visitors aren't far away from providing an imposing total.Just twice have New Zealand successfully chased a fourth-innings target of 230 or more in New Zealand, and there have only been five winning fourth-innings chases of more than 235 by any team in this country – none since 2003.That statistic doesn't tell the entire picture, as the 235 mark has been passed 25 times, 20 of them coming in draws or defeats, but it points to the old adage being true – fourth-innings chases, even those with feasible targets, are no walk in the park.That the Black Caps even have a sniff of victory is thanks to de Grandhomme, whose second test century brought New Zealand back into the match.De Grandhomme's unbeaten 120 was his highest test score, and could hardly have come at a more pivotal time, walking to the crease at 91-5 and heading back off having helped drag the Black Caps to 293.He was assisted by Daryl Mitchell, who made 60 in a partnership of 133 for the sixth wicket, but Mitchell was trapped lbw by Keshav Maharaj, who showed enough to indicate that his spin could be dangerous in the final innings.De Grandhomme however largely navigated the spin well, playing a patient game in the 90s before cutting Maharaj behind point for three to casually bring up his century off 138 balls.Having brought up his 50 from 36 balls, he had displayed the savvy in the following 102 deliveries to suggest an even larger score was in the offing, but the big man was let down by the tail order.Kyle Jamieson (13 off 30 balls) and Tim Southee (five off eight) both fell swiping at short balls, and while Wagner (21 off 18) had some fun smacking Maharaj and Marco Jansen in revenge for their ninth-wicket partnership in the first innings, he and Matt Henry fell in consecutive balls to Kagiso Rabada to leave de Grandhomme stranded.From 224-5, the Black Caps would have been disappointed in 293 all out, with Rabada finishing with 5-60 and Jansen 4-98 as the visitors took a vital lead of 71.It was a lead than ensured even a middling second-innings effort would still leave New Zealand with a challenging chase, and middling would be a fair descriptor for South Africa's effort with the bat.By tea, they had slumped to 42-3, with Southee and Henry knocking over the top order and ensuring the Black Caps wouldn't be batted out of the test.Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma provided resistance, with the vocal van der Dussen getting chippy with the equally fiery Wagner in a tense battle.Van der Dussen was content to attack Wagner's trademark short ball – a tactic that carried some risk for New Zealand, with a few lofty blows seeing runs flow and South Africa rapidly increase their lead.The already riled-up Wagner was even redder when de Grandhomme shelled a straightforward chance at square leg to remove van der Dussen, but with his fielders letting him down, Wagner did it himself, luring the batsman into a false shot and taking the return catch.That ended a 65-run stand, and 11 runs later Wagner had the other big scalp – Bavuma driving straight to short cover to expose the start of South Africa's tail.Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder – both players under pressure for their place in the team – stuck together for 26 valuable runs before stumps, and more resistance tomorrow morning will leave the Black Caps with a tall order in their quest to write history.- by Niall Anderson, NZ Herald

This week on the show we review a great week for both the Black Caps and the White Ferns, as well as a host of other topics as we look back at the week that was. We start by discussing the amazing performance from Matt Henry, which saw him record the third-best bowling figures in a Test innings for New Zealand, as well as smashing a quick 50 at #11. There's praise for Tim Southee, Tom Blundell and Colin de Grandhomme as well as Gary Stead for his decision to promote Neil Wagner to #5 in the absence of Kane Williamson. But will South Africa bounce back in the second Test? We remain in Aotearoa to chat about the White Ferns, who have looked more and more impressive with every game of their series against India, highlighted by contributions from many different players within the squad. Then it's a quick look at the domestic scene, with the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and the Ford Trophy up for grabs this weekend. As we venture offshore, we discuss a changing of the guard for the Indian Test team, with Pujara, Rahane, Saha and Ishant all left out. There are questions around the Australian white ball team, despite winning their T20 series 4-1 against a Sri Lankan side that showed a lot of promise. Will Aaron Finch make it to the next T20 World Cup? And how much is the IPL going to impact international tours for both Australia and New Zealand? We'll be back in your feed again later this week with a special guest to preview the Women's World Cup. In the meantime, if you haven't already, please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on https://twitter.com/Toporderpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Toporderpod (Facebook), & @thetoporderpodcast on https://www.instagram.com/thetoporderpodcast/ (Instagram)) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our https://www.thetoporderpodcast.com/ (website), and a few of our episodes are available on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA (YouTube) - we're slowly chipping away at populating this channel. You can also dip back into our guest episodes - including conversations with Tim Southee, Mike Hussey, Frankie Mackay, Firdose Moonda, Barry Richards and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

We start the show this week with Binksy's reaction to the breaking news that England have dropped James Anderson and Stuart Broad from their upcoming Test tour to the West Indies, before we travel the world again to discuss a wide range of news from the cricketing week that was. We go in-depth on the Black Caps' Test squad to face South Africa, which features call-ups for Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner, as well as recalls for Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford. Should anyone feel snubbed? How will the batting order line up at Hagley? And how worried are we about Kane Williamson's elbow? Selection discussions continue with a look at the White Ferns' World Cup squad, including the omission of Leigh Kasperek. The conversation then turns to youthful exuberance as we look back the the ICC U19 World Cup and a few future stars that caught our eye, before jetsetting off to the conclusion of the Ashes, the West Indies v India ODI series and the upcoming IPL auction. We'll be back in your feed later this week to discuss the coaching merry-go-round that is Cricket Australia and ECB, with thoughts on Justin Langer, Chris Silverwood, Ashley Giles and what's next. In the meantime please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on https://twitter.com/Toporderpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Toporderpod (Facebook), & @thetoporderpodcast on https://www.instagram.com/thetoporderpodcast/ (Instagram)) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our https://www.thetoporderpodcast.com/ (website), and a few of our episodes are available on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA (YouTube) - we're chipping away at populating this channel. If you haven't already, dip back into our guest episodes - including conversations with Tim Southee, Colin 'Funky' Miller, Katey Martin, George Dobell and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And if you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

This week on the show we discuss the Black Caps postponed tour to Australia and what might have been had the tour gone ahead. We debate which players had their flights cancelled, whether Colin de Grandhomme's return to form in the Super Smash and Ford Trophy will be enough to return him to the international stage, and highlight two moments of absolute genius from Amelia Kerr. As the show continues, Baldy takes a look to the future by introducing us to a potential star at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, before we review South Africa's highly entertaining Test series victory over India. There were disputes, disrepute, retirements and, best of all, three quality matches. Who will succeed Virat Kohli as Indian Test captain? How worried should NZ be about this South African side? And how good is Keegan Petersen? We'll be back in your feed later this week for an in-depth look at The Ashes, but in the meantime please take the time to give us a like, follow, share or subscribe on all our channels (@toporderpod on https://twitter.com/Toporderpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Toporderpod (Facebook), & @thetoporderpodcast on https://www.instagram.com/thetoporderpodcast/ (Instagram)) and a (5-Star!) review at your favourite podcast provider, or tell a friend to download. It really helps others find the show and is the best thing you can do to support us. You can also find all our written content, including our Hall of Fame series, at our https://www.thetoporderpodcast.com/ (website), and a few of our episodes are available on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo3GSknJELxxH4IDec2AjUA (YouTube) - we're chipping away at populating this channel. If you haven't already, dip back into our guest episodes - including our latest with rising star Rachin Ravindra. There are also conversations with history-maker Ajaz Patel, Mike Hussey, Graham Thorpe, Katey Martin, Bharat Sundaresan, Shane Bond and many more fascinating people from all across the cricketing world. And check out our Hall of Fame series, in which we countdown the 100 greatest Men's Test cricketers of all time. If you'd like to reach out to us with feedback, questions or guest suggestions, get in touch at thetoporderpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening.

This episode's panel features Matt Heath, James McOnie and ACC & Former Hauraki Head G Lane.Should Razor Robertson steady the All Blacks Ship?How does this position New Zealand for the 2023 World Cup in Paris?Are the Black Caps shifting back to their old ways or is it just a World Cup hangover?Plus, McOnie Road Studios, Wide On of the Week, Births, Deaths & Marriages and Attendance Required!Social Media Question: From a scale of Davey Warner to Colin de Grandhomme, what kind of downstairs operation would you assume Tim Paine is running?

The Black Caps will begin the defence of their ICC World Test Championship title without the services of two of its best players, after Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme ruled themselves out of the upcoming series against India.A 15-strong squad has been named for the two-Test series - to be played in Kanpur from November 25-29 and Mumbai from December 3-7 - that features five spin options; including 21-year-old Rachin Ravindra who has the opportunity to make his Test debut.However, both Boult and de Grandhomme - two of the side's best performers over the past several years - have decided to opt out of the tour due to concerns over the amount of time that would be required to be spent in Covid quarantine facilities.Black Caps coach Gary Stead said their decisions were completely understandable as player welfare is paramount within the side."Trent has already spent the best part of 60 days in hard managed isolation this year, while Colin had been on the road since May until recently returning home from Pakistan," Stead stated in a press release."From talking to both players it was clear the best option for them was to be left out of this Test tour and for them to instead focus on being ready for the New Zealand home summer."The loss of Boult and De Grandhomme opens up an opportunity for the likes of Ravindra and all-rounders Glenn Phillips and Will Somerville.All three provide spin options for the Black Caps alongside recent regulars - conditions dependent - Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner.The rest of the squad has a familiar feel with the regular Test top five and Will Young filling the batting positions, and Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson providing the pace options.This series will also be the first without wicket-keeping stalwart BJ Watling after he retired following the WTC final win in England, with Tom Blundell set to take over the Test gloves.Stead said they'd very much taken a horses-for-courses approach when picking the tour squad."Touring India is one of the greatest experiences in cricket and I know our guys are really looking forward to the challenge," he said."It's fair to say we're expecting spin-friendly conditions and it's great to have a range of options in this department."The success of our spinners on recent tours to the sub-continent has been encouraging and we hope they can once again feature prominently."It's really exciting to begin the second instalment of the WTC and we know there'll be an extra incentive for all the teams we play following our win in the inaugural competition."Despite being the reigning World Test Championship champions, the Black Caps have never won a Test series on Indian soil.Meanwhile, the Black Caps will first face India in three T20 Internationals on November 17, 19 and 21 – with the current T20 World Cup squad carrying on for that series.Black Caps Test squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Will Somerville, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, Will Young.T20 squad: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.

Sam Cane is returning as captain for the All Blacks against Italy.Chiefs lock Josh Lord will also start on debut with Brodie Retallick injured and Sam Whitelock on the bench.The team play Italy in Rome on Sunday morning.Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme have ruled themselves out of the test series against India.The two have pulled out due to bubble fatigue, and although Trent Boult will play the T20 series, he will sit out the test series.Meanwhile, the Black Caps play Namibia and Afghanistan to close out the Super 12 campaign of the T20 World Cup.Phil Gifford and Abby Wilson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the week's sports news

Sky's Laura McGoldrick, former Blackcaps coach Mike Hesson, and keeper-turned-broadcaster Ian Smith wrap up the latest news from the cricketing world. This week, the trio discuss New Zealand and Colin de Grandhomme's form in Bangladesh, the White Ferns in England, the CPL, India v England, and whether the Aussies will steamroll their way to a dominant Ashes victory later in the year.

How things can change in just three games.After an embarrassing first-up capitulation and the last-ball loss that followed, the Black Caps have gone full circle to spin their way to a crunching 52-run win in their third Twenty20 against Bangladesh, and stay alive in the five-match series.A rapid adaption to the conditions in Dhaka has caused the drastic turnaround, and after the bowlers showed promise in the first two clashes on the slow spinning wickets, this time the batsmen and the fielders backed them up in a display that earned Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie their first international victories.They were key contributors to the win as well, with Ravindra hitting 20 before taking a miserly 1-13 from his four overs, while McConchie returned his best T20 figures in his professional career with 3-15.Add in the star turn of Ajaz Patel, with 4-16, and the Black Caps ripped through Bangladesh for 76, a statement performance from a second-string team against a full-strength Bangladeshi side in their home conditions, and a result that continues a terrific turnaround.Playing on the same pitch that saw them routed for 60 in the opener, the Black Caps batsmen showed sharper skills to compile a total that looked maybe a touch below par, but still competitive.Coach Glenn Pocknall made the correct call by bringing in explosive opener Finn Allen at the expense of one of the many seamers in the squad, and after being 9-4 in the first match, in the third match the Black Caps had bashed 11 off the opening over.Allen's innings only lasted 10 balls, but he still showcased the immense promise he has as New Zealand's long-term opener in his breezy 15, while Ravindra and Will Young (both hitting 20 at a run-a-ball) managed to provide the Black Caps with their first platform of the tour.It nearly went to waste. Colin de Grandhomme and Tom Latham both departed cheaply, before Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell attempted a dangerous rebuild, with the Black Caps going 45 balls between boundaries as they creaked to 88-5 with just four overs remaining.It was a mighty risk – with the big-hitting talents of McConchie and Scott Kuggeleijn still to come and more than capable of scoring quickly, it seemed a classic case of senior batsmen overestimating the importance of their wicket, and playing too conservatively.Had things gone awry with Blundell on 12 off 19 balls, the game may have shifted, but Nicholls and Blundell managed to execute their plan to near-perfection, smashing 40 off the last four overs in a 66-run stand off 57 balls that dragged the Black Caps to a defendable total.Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell battled through for a pivotal partnership. Photo / PhotosportA loose start with the ball had Bangladesh well on their way at 23-0 after just 2.3 overs, but Liton Das was trapped lbw by McConchie, and from there it was remarkably one-way traffic.Patel leaked seven runs from his first over but took two wickets in his second, including the prized scalp of Shakib Al Hasan, who took a wild slog off the second ball he saw and was caught at long-on.Under fairly limited run-rate pressure, some of the early Bangladeshi batting was a bit baffling, but unlike in the second T20, this time the fielders didn't let the bowlers down, and made the hosts pay.Nicholls took two sharp low catches inside the circle, one of them to remove Mahmudullah as Patel took two wickets in two balls, reducing Bangladesh to 44-6 after 10 overs.From there, the result was never in doubt, and perhaps the greatest sign of New Zealand's all-around improvements came from Blundell, who made amends for his Friday fielding foibles with a superb tumbling catch in the deep, as the Black Caps cruised to a victory that has reignited the series.Text by Niall Anderson, NZ Herald

text by NZ HeraldIndia have seized the initiative in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand by naming their starting XI a day early.That's despite rain pouring at the venue, and the whole first day in doubt due to the forecast.India have opted for two spinning all-rounders and three seamers, paying no attention to the conditions or the "green tinge", as Black Caps captain Kane Williamson described, to the pitch.Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will be the rare spin pairing for India as captain Virat Kohli shrugged off the rainy forecast which could see a washout on the first day set to begin tonight."It does not change anything from our point of view as a team," Kohli said. "For us it's about covering all bases and making sure that we take the strongest side that we can on the park that gives us batting depth and gives us enough bowling options as well."We are quite clear in terms of what we want to do. Forecast is not something we're focussed on. We're not thinking too much about what might change. Regardless of what we do, we have our bases covered and we know that very well."We're not bothered about what the weather holds and if we need to change the outlook of the team altogether, no. Obviously how you approach the game and the decisions that you make day-to-day, they obviously alter when the conditions are different, but not your whole team altogether."Williamson, on the other hand, has decided to keep his cards close to his chest, with New Zealand deciding to wait on the weather conditions before unveiling their XV."Just with the weather around, we want to get a closer look at the surface. It's raining now so we'll have a look in the morning," he said."There is a little green tinge [on the pitch], but there's not a huge amount of grass on it."Often we see in this part of the world the conditions suiting seam bowlers, particularly when the ball's new."However, as we saw in the last two games [against England], spin also came into it."I'm sure there will be a little bit there for everyone, and it'll just be about focusing on what we can control within our group and doing that to the best of our ability."It looks like a pretty fair surface. Both teams have a number of strengths in a number of areas so it should be a really good contest."Williamson had an injection to help treat an elbow issue that kept him out of the second test against England in Edgbaston, but he says he's ready to go for the final."The injection has helped somewhat so that's positive and fine to go for this game."Meanwhile, Kohli isn't buying the Black Caps' "nice guys" label, saying he respects New Zealand as a team but will only focus on what happens on the field."I don't really understand this term that was used, I don't think any other team has bad guys in their team," he said when asked about the Black Caps' reputation off the field."It's something that we're not thinking about. For us it is a team that we're playing against, an opposition that we will be squaring up against that has a lot of quality players, but the other stuff which is off the field does not filter onto the field."On the field we're very professional and we know exactly how we're going to play and what we need to do on the field. Yes we get along very well off the field but when you step across the line then it's business at the end of the day and we have to deal with it accordingly."It's pretty serious stuff out there. It's not something that is fun and games and is played at a very low voltage environment. Obviously this is a huge game, a huge test match and we are certainly looking forward to an opportunity that we've been waiting for for a few years now."Black Caps (four to be omitted): Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Matt Henry, Ajaz PatelIndia: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit S...

It is an almost unnoticed revolution in global cricket:  New Zealand's cricketers have completed a journey from amateur whipping-boys to worldbeaters. They have secured an emphatic Test series victory over England while enjoying the luxury of six team changes to prepare for the ultimate prize of the World Test Championship. David Leggat, former chief cricket writer of the New Zealand Herald, gives unique insight into their modern success and the present state of New Zealand cricket, as a returning guest of Peter Oborne and Richard Heller on their latest cricket-themed podcast.Read the full description here: https://chiswickcalendar.co.uk/episode-56-no-longer-underdogs-but-still-undervalued-new-zealands-world-class-cricketers/Get in contact by emailing obornehellercricket@outlook.com

Matt Henry, Neil Wagner and Ajaz Patel have bowled New Zealand to the brink of a stunning test series win over England.The trio combined for eight wickets in a remarkable spell on day three of the second test, with Trent Boult adding one for good measure as England finished the day a miserable 122-9, leading by just 37 runs as victory looms for the Black Caps.While a test series victory – which would be their first in England this century – was always possible, plausible even, the dominance this Black Caps team produced on day three, especially without some frontline stars, was extraordinary.Yes, this is a under-strength English side, but New Zealand are missing Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee - a rather significant 292 tests of experience.You could barely notice they were missing based on the performance of their replacements on day three, with three wickets apiece to Henry and Wagner being complemented by two from Patel as a simple path emerged to a test win in England – just their sixth in history.To make it more remarkable, this was a day that could have ended poorly for New Zealand, after a middle-order collapse.Resuming at 229-3, New Zealand had eased to 292-3, before losing their last seven wickets for 96 runs to go into the second innings with a lead of 85.Having struggled at the start of his innings, Ross Taylor looked more like his old self to begin day three, bringing up his second 50 in his last 15 test innings with some more assured, yet still aggressive strokeplay.He offered a chance on 68 before departing on 80, caught behind flashing outside off, and that sparked a tumble of wickets.Henry Nicholls (21) gloved one down legside to the keeper, while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell missed their final opportunity to put their hand up for the World Test Championship final.Mitchell departed for six, pulling a long-hop straight to short midwicket, and while Blundell made 34, he was dropped third ball and has put in a mixed display behind the stumps, making the selection of Watling, if fit, an easy choice for the selectors next week.Patel, however, strengthened his case for selection, following up his two first-innings wickets with a pleasant 20 at No 10 that showed the tail would not necessarily be dramatically lengthened by his inclusion.He and Boult added 27 for the last wicket which gave the bowlers a better buffer – one that became increasingly daunting for England as the Kiwi bowlers tore them to shreds.Henry did the most damage, removing Rory Burns second ball to an excellent Tom Latham catch at second slip, before Mitchell showed safe hands to pocket the wicket of Dom Sibley at third slip.Zak Crawley followed, trapped lbw, and England were in dire straits at 30-3.Just as thoughts turned to how Henry could be crammed in to a jam-packed bowling equation for next week's final against India – in place of Wagner, perhaps? – Wagner showed just how difficult the next few days will be for the New Zealand selectors.Brought on in the 14th over, by the end of the 18th Wagner had two scalps to remind everyone of his value, trapping Ollie Pope lbw with his familiar inswinger, before having Dan Lawrence caught behind.And then, as if there weren't enough (welcome) selection headaches for Gary Stead and Williamson, the impressive Patel got in the action, bowling James Bracey before removing England's last hope, skipper Joe Root, caught behind.A quick 44-run stand between Olly Stone and Mark Wood ensured New Zealand will have to bat again, but with just one England wicket remaining, and a fourth-innings target unlikely to surpass 50, a special victory awaits for the Black Caps.text by Niall Anderson, NZ Herald

In a quirk of timing, the second test against England at Edgbaston is an afterthought dressed up as a forethought.The match, which starts on Thursday night in Birmingham's south, is the decider for the hastily arranged two-test series but the visitors will be forgiven for having one-and-a-half eyes on the World Test Championship final against India in a week's time, while the hosts have made little secret of the fact these tests as a prelude to a tilt at the Ashes later this year.Make of that what you will but the slightly inconvenient fact remains that there is a test and a series to be won, the latter achievement something that hasn't been achieved by New Zealand on English soil since 1999."It's an opportunity to win a test series in England. It's been a long time," said Trent Boult, who looks set to make his return to the team after sitting out the Lord's test in order to spend time with his family.Boult was not expected to be available for this test either, which could have put his spot in the WTC in jeopardy, but it appears the relaxation of quarantine rules in the UK has put him ahead of schedule."The guys played tremendously well at Lord's," Boult said. "It was great to see some great performances and the guys gelling nicely so hopefully we have another big week."Boult is gilding the lily somewhat.New Zealand were better than England for the majority of the first test but Gary Stead and Kane Williamson would have been left frustrated by a dramatic middle-order collapse on day two and minimal contributions of the two allrounders Mitchell Santner and Colin de Grandhomme.While Devon Conway and Tim Southee were superb, they were the meat in an otherwise thin broth. The Edgbaston test offers not just a chance for a rare away series win, but for several of the squad to make more substantial contributions.Santner will be missing with a injured finger, though he was probably hanging on to his place by a thread regardless after a frutiless return at Lord's, while captain Kane Williamson is being given until the last minute to prove his fitness as he manages the elbow niggle that kept him out of the end of the home summer and the start of the IPL.His replacement, if required, would surely be Will Young, who has already scored two first-class centuries in England this summer, but the swap for Santner is not so straightforward.Ajaz Patel is the best spinner in the squad but his non-selection at Lord's is a strong hint that Stead and Williamson are not comfortable with the balance of the team playing a specialist tweaker who cannot really bat. If Patel gets the nod, there could be a scenario where a frontline incumbent seamer is "rested" to accommodate another allrounder.As for Boult, he is fizzing at the bung after his break and following a summer where he wasn't as sharp with the red ball as we have come to expect."I'm dying to get out there," he said."I've a bit of practice with the Duke over the past couple of weeks and am pretty excited about hopefully moving a couple around. Edgbaston is traditionally a very good wicket so we've got to be prepared to hang in there and play the long game."While New Zealand's concerns centre around who to leave out and who they need to find form, England's worries are more societal.A trawl through the players social media platforms indicates English cricket has much to do to rid itself of the notion that racist attitudes are deeply embedded in the game.Seamer Ollie Robinson, who impressed on debut, has been suspended after he posted racist and sexist tweets as a teenager, while other players have been embarrassed by their own indiscretions, including veteran James Anderson."I remember being that age and you do make mistakes," Anderson said. "You're very young and inexperienced. It's just a case of trying to make sure that, even at that age, we send a message that this is unacceptable language to use."A tweet of Anderson's from 2010 in which he made offensive remarks re...

The Black Caps make their long-awaited return to the crease at Lord's in the first of two test matches against England that will precede the inaugural World Test Championship final.It has been 62 days since New Zealand last played, which was a comfortable Twenty20 victory over Bangladesh at Eden Park.The time in between has been dominated by Covid-19 chaos in India that interrupted and ultimately suspended the Indian Premier League, halting preparation for many Black Caps test squad members who were plying their trade in the shorter format for the meantime.However, apart from the absence of paceman Trent Boult, coach Gary Stead has a full squad at his disposal, but one that comes with a handful of selection stumpers.Kane Williamson revealed this morning that Devon Conway gets the nod ahead of Will Young and Tom Blundell at the top of the batting order to partner Tom Latham.Conway's dominance in first-class cricket, coupled with his strong form to begin his international white-ball career, is plenty of evidence he can handle the task of opening or acting as a higher-order batsman in tests.Colin de Grandhomme's return from ankle surgery paves the way for arguably the country's top all-rounder to restake his claim in the international side. However, he is not fully fit to carry a heavy bowling load.Boult's arrival in England on Friday means he could suit up for the second test at Edgbaston, but Stead has all but ruled out such a selection, with the 31-year-old set to go into the World Test Championship final cold."I don't think you will see Trent in the two test matches here. We're looking to have him ready for the World Test Championship final," Stead said."He's at home; he's had a week bowling there which is great, after a fair amount of isolation time at the end of the IPL."Matt Henry has been given the nod in the 12-man squad ahead of Doug Bracewell and Jacob Duffy as a possible a straight swap with Boult, or they could opt for a spinner in Mitchell Santner."The Lord's pitch has a green tinge two days out – it's been cut to 6mm. We're used to a lot more grass so it certainly looks different," he adds.The Black Caps will have to run out onto a ground that, last time they were there, was the scene of utter heartbreak in the form of the 2019 Cricket World Cup final.But the super over defeat was over two years ago now, and coach Gary Stead believes there will be no hangover from the match."We've won and lost at most grounds around the world - it won't have much bearing on this game," he said.As well as painful World Cup memories, New Zealand also have historical demons to contend with. Since their first tour in 1931, they've played 17 tests on the famed pitch and won just once, under the captaincy of Stephen Fleming in 1999, where opener Matt Horne hit one of his four career tons with 100 off 224 balls.Schedule:England v Black Caps, first test, Lord's, starting Wednesday June 2 at 10pm.Teams:Black Caps (probable): Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry (12th man).England squad: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Dan Lawrence, Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root (c), Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, James Bracey, Sam Billings, Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad.

Join Dan, Glenn, and Zac for a preview of England's exciting Test series against New Zealand. After discussing how Zac was sledged by a 14 year old wicketkeeper at the weekend (Zac silenced his young critic with a masterful 8* from 39 deliveries) and celebrating Glenn's Fantasy Premier League triumph, the Rain Stopped Play team gets stuck into England's selection issues for the upcoming two Test series. Who should open? Who should bowl? Is Colin de Grandhomme making medium pace fashionable again? Join us and find out! Follow us on Twitter: @RainStoppedPod

In this episode of On The Front Foot, Bryan Waddle and Jeremy Coney discuss the Black Caps training with Duke's balls, getting the Covid-19 vaccines and try remember their own mullet's, after seeing Colin de Grandhomme's latest luscious locks. New Central Stags coach Rob Walter dials in to talk about why he's leaving the Otago Volts, his greatest achievement, and how Aldin Smith's reacted to him taking his role. Finally, the lads reflect on the life of their great mate, Iain Gallaway, who passed away this week.Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.Listen here on iHeartRadioOn The Front Foot is also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here

The Black Caps have named a left-arm orthodox, right-arm swing heavy squad to face England for two tests in June.As anticipated, 21-year-old Wellington all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is the closest thing to a bolter in the 20-strong touring party named by selectors Gary Stead and Gavin Larsen. He will join provincial teammate Devon Conway and Otago's Jacob Duffy as the only uncapped members of the squad.Earning recalls are Doug Bracewell and Ajaz Patel, with the former subject to a fitness test on his hip before being cleared to fly. It marks Bracewell's first return to the team since 2016. Colin de Grandhomme (ankle) and Ross Taylor (hamstring) have also been selected pending fitness tests that both are expected to pass.The unluckiest player to miss selection is Auckland's Glenn Phillips, a white-ball dynamo who rose to the red-ball occasion when scoring a half century on test debut against Australia last year.He has added some fairly raw off-spin to his repertoire but the selectors have instead opted for three left-armers in Patel, Mitchell Santner and Ravindra.If selected to play, Ravindra would be the youngest New Zealand test player since Ish Sodhi debuted at 20 against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2013.In this his third and most successful professional season, the left-hander notched twin hundreds for New Zealand A against the touring West Indies and recently returned from a dislocated shoulder to record his first Plunket Shield century, followed by six wickets in Wellington's final-round draw against Auckland."Rachin's been earmarked as a star of the future since his Under-19 days and we've been really encouraged by the advancement in his game this season, with both bat and ball," coach Gary Stead said. "He's obviously an opening option, but also has the ability to bat in the middle order which combined with his left-arm finger spin make him a great asset to our squad."Jacob's been a consistent performer on the domestic circuit and his ability to swing the ball made him a particularly compelling option with a Dukes ball in English conditions."Swinging the ball away from the right-handers is seen as a critical component in English conditions, hence the selection of a posse of right-arm fast-medium pacers, including Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, de Grandhomme, Duffy, Bracewell and Matt Henry, with Daryl Mitchell also capable of finding movement in the right conditions.The out-and-out pace of Lockie Ferguson must have been tempting, but Stead said it was too early after recovering from a stress fracture and his primary focus would be on the T20 World Cup in India later this year.All 14 players who featured in the home test summer have been selected, while Conway comes in after a prolific start to his international white-ball career.De Grandhomme and Patel return after injuries robbed them of chances this season, while Central Districts' Bracewell, listed as an all-rounder, returns close to five years after his last test against South Africa at Pretoria.Bracewell enjoyed a consistent Plunket Shield, where he averaged 26 with the ball and 43 with the bat, and claimed nine wickets for New Zealand A at 19.6."We're confident he'll enjoy bowling on English pitches in June," Stead said."Colin's injury is progressing well and we're hopeful he will begin running again shortly. We'll monitor him closely over the next few weeks to ensure he's on target."It's been pleasing to see Ajaz back playing consistently since missing the early part of the season and he's proven in the past what he can do if the ball is turning."The squad will hold two training camps in early May before departing for England in two groups on May 16 and 17.Players involved in the IPL will be managed on a case-by-case basis depending on when their team exits the tournament.The two England tests take place at Lord's starting June 2 and Edgbaston on June 10. The squad will then be trimmed to 15 for the World Test Championship Final at the Ageas...

Alrighty, there's an NRL season starting this week so it's only right we should talk a heap of Aotearoa Warriors chat, from Nathan Brown's first team list to the ways in which they're poised to handle this difficult season (23:18). And before that there's some cricket talk: the return of the Blackcaps ODI team, Colin de Grandhomme excitement levels (recorded before his ankle surgery was announced), White Ferns confusion, and more (3:55). Good pod, this one. Dig in.

Presenter, broadcaster and writer Melinda Farrell chats about her journey into cricket journalism and her cricketing travels across the globe. Plus Isabelle commentates on a very fast delivery from Shoaib Akhtar.

The Black Caps have axed Mitchell Santner from their test squad to play India.It was just over two months ago that Santner inspired the Black Caps to their 99th test victory, but his struggles in their subsequent failures to reach three figures have seen him dropped from the side.A maiden test century – 126 – and three fourth-innings wickets against England at Mount Maunganui made it seem as if Santner had finally delivered on his all-round potential, but in the three tests since then has taken two wickets while leaking 338 runs, and scored just 55 runs in five innings.His battles with the ball culminated in wicketkeeper Tom Blundell being preferred to roll the arm over for a stint during the Boxing Day test, before illness meant Santner played no part in the third test in Sydney, as Todd Astle and Will Somerville were preferred.However, the red-ball retirement of Astle and injury to Somerville meant that Santner had a chance of retaining his spot in the squad for the two tests against India, but the selectors have opted for Ajaz Patel instead.Patel may not even play against the world's best test side – his prior two appearances at the Basin Reserve and Hagley Oval, where the two tests are being held, produced no wickets in 40 overs - but he proved economical in those stints.That has usually been Santner's strength – offering restrictive bowling lines on unfriendly wickets, as well as a lineup-balancing batting option. But, with the all-rounder having struggled for economy and runs in Australia, it weakened his argument for selection, with Patel earning the sole spinning spot.Black Caps coach Gary Stead said Patel's domestic track record as wicket-taking threat gave him the nod."Ajaz has done really well for us in the past in overseas conditions, but we look at his domestic form and it's very good. It's a slight change of role in what we're looking for – that position is one is which we're trying to take wickets."If the Black Caps opt to bypass Patel and play four seamers - a distinct possibility at the Basin Reserve - a test debut could be in order for Kyle Jamieson. Lockie Ferguson's return to domestic one-day cricket after a calf injury was not enough to prepare him for two tests, while Jamieson has been picked over Matt Henry and his 50.1 test bowling average.Trent Boult has been ruled fit however, and will link up with usual seam-bowling partners Neil Wagner and Tim Southee, while Daryl Mitchell will provide options as squad cover after a strong test debut with the bat in against England Hamilton, and impressive recent form for the New Zealand XI and New Zealand A.After his MCG century, Blundell will remain at the top of the order alongside Tom Latham, with Jeet Raval dropped.Stead acknowledged some tough decisions had to be made, with Jamieson edging out Henry thanks to the point of difference his pace and height provides."Kyle will offer us a point of difference with the bounce he could extract on what is traditionally a good surface in Wellington."With a squad of 13 we've put a priority on balance and making sure we have the needed variety and different options depending on the pitch conditions at the Basin Reserve."The first test begins in Wellington on Friday, with the second in Christchurch the following Saturday.Black Caps squad: Kane Williamson ©, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling. 

Their three best seamers were out injured. The fourth shouldn't have played, but did, battling illness. Their best – and only – spinner was ruled out minutes before the first ball. And yet, the Black Caps bowlers have conjured up a remarkable victory over India to seal a similarly surprising series win.In what has been a tour of improbable events, add another unexpected outcome onto the pile, as the Black Caps defended 273-8 to claim a 22-run victory and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the best-of-three series.To defend that total at Eden Park is impressive. To do it against a superb Indian batting lineup, even more so. And to do it given the situation they were in – and the mess they had inherited from the Twenty20 series – well, that takes some doing.Coming into the series with the Black Caps having lost eight straight matches in all formats, few would have picked that to change against a strong Indian side; one coming off ODI series wins over the West Indies and Australia, and that had claimed the last three ODI series against New Zealand.Additionally, the Black Caps' lineup was far from full-strength – Trent Boult, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson were still sidelined, Kane Williamson was injured, Scott Kuggeleijn was sick, Ish Sodhi had joined New Zealand A, and Mitchell Santner was a late scratch, ruled out due to illness.It left the Black Caps with a No 3 playing his second ODI, a No 8 who is usually a specialist batsman, a fast bowler on debut, two seamers who had been smashed in Hamilton, and no specialist spinners.So, when they had collapsed to 197-8 batting first, with eight overs remaining, it wasn't a stretch to assume the series was headed to a decider. But, when Ross Taylor and Kyle Jamieson added 76 for the ninth wicket, a defendable total had been attained, and the improbable was about to take place.Taylor's unbeaten 73 was valuable, but in fairness, he needed to make up for earlier mistakes, after being involved in two runouts which had kick-started the Black Caps' collapse. The hosts had looked superbly set at 157-2 through 29 overs, largely thanks to Martin Guptill breaking his ODI drought with an excellent run-a-ball 79. He looked likely for a century, only for Taylor to call him through for a disastrous quick single attempt, and then do the same to Jimmy Neesham five overs later.Add in the dismissals of Tom Latham (trapped lbw sweeping), Colin de Grandhomme (slogging wildly), Mark Chapman (caught and bowled) and Tim Southee (see: de Grandhomme, Colin), and a terrible total looked on the cards.Instead, Taylor stuck around, moving into the top 25 all-time ODI runscorers as he kept the Black Caps alive, while Jamieson bashed 25 not out off 24 balls to make a memorable start to his international debut.It got better, though – with Jamieson playing a crucial role as the Black Caps bowlers produced their best performance of the summer.Jamieson's wicket of Prithvi Shaw, in his first over, was part of a brilliant – and rather unexpected – effort from the second-string Black Caps seamers. After leaking 16 runs from his first eight balls, Hamish Bennett bounced back to remove Mayank Agarwal, while Southee battled through illness to claim the biggest scalp of them all – Virat Kohli, bowled, for 15.It was questionable whether the sick Southee would even play tonight, but instead he got through 10 overs within the first half of the Indian innings, getting mass appreciation from his teammates as he walked off the park with 2-41.With only five specialist bowlers available, stand-in skipper Latham did well to keep his best bowlers charging in when he felt India were vulnerable, with de Grandhomme removing KL Rahul, and Southee luring Kedar Jadhav into a flayed drive, straight to cover.Shreyas Iyer loomed as the danger man, but a ball after bringing up a smooth 50, he needlessly took a wild swipe at Bennett, getting a thick edge through to Latham. The match looked over, but there was a twist – with the...

Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme ruled out of second test against England, Some of the biggest names in women's tennis set to play in Auckland and we catch up with kiwi sprint cyclist Ellesse Andrews.

The Black Caps have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of their second test against England, with Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme both being ruled out due to injury.Boult, who could only bowl one over on the final day of the Black Caps' win by an innings and 65 runs in Mount Maunganui, went for an MRI scan yesterday, which confirmed he had strained one of the muscles overlying his ribs on his right hand-side, but cleared him of any bone stress.He will miss the test starting on Friday at Seddon Park, as will de Grandhomme, who sustained a tear to his left lower abdominal muscle during the second innings, which saw him not bowl after lunch.The pair will begin rehabiliation with an aim to be fit for the Black Caps' first test against Australia in Perth on December 12, and Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen was hopeful both can recover in time."It's as good as what it could be, and hopefully they won't be out for too long."[Boult's injury] is quite a unique bowling injury that's not been seen much before, but fingers crossed it will be a quick rehab."We want them to be on the plane to go to Perth, so we're certainly working towards that, but the initial plan is really just rest and rehab."Northern Districts all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been called into the test squad as de Grandhomme's replacement, and will join the Black Caps today along with Lockie Ferguson and Todd Astle, who have rejoined the test squad after being released to play domestic one-day cricket.Colin de Grandhomme (left) and Trent Boult (middle) have both been ruled out of the Black Caps' second test against England. Photo / GettyMitchell, who has played nine Twenty20 internationals for the Black Caps, hit an unbeaten 170 for Northern Districts in his last Plunket Shield match, and played for New Zealand A against England in their warm-up match, taking 2-34 and contributing scores of 19 not out and 22 with the bat.He most recently took 3-54 and hit an unbeaten 62 from 54 balls to lead ND to a one-day win over Central Districts on Monday.A powerful batsman with good technique who likes to hit the ball straight, Mitchell averages 35.6 with the bat in first-class cricket, and 33.5 with the ball, having taken 61 first-class wickets with his medium-pace offerings.Daryl Mitchell is in line for a test debut. Photo / PhotosportHe would be a like-for-like swap with de Grandhomme, though Black Caps coach Gary Stead could opt for an extra batsman in Tom Blundell, or play four seamers or two spinners, with Mitchell Santner promoted to bat at No 7.Jurgensen was certain Mitchell has the skills to replace de Grandhomme's all-round production."It's a really fantastic opportunity for Daryl, if he's selected for this test he'd probably take a similar role – I certainly think he's got the capability to do what Colin's been able to do."Boult's ailment seemingly opens up a spot for Ferguson to make his much-anticipated test debut in a seam bowling trio alongside Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, but with Matt Henry also an option, Jurgensen wasn't keen to make any assertions just yet."All options will be considered – [Henry] has done a really good job for the team and is a genuine new-ball bowler, and so is Lockie. We'll look at the pitch and see what our best lineup is."

One's the shortest man in the team, the other's known as "the big man". The big man is one of the most destructive short-form hitters in the world. His partner in crime is arguably a third-choice selection for his provincial Twenty20 side.As individual cricketers, they couldn't be more different. But together, the ultimate odd couple of BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme have once again delivered for the Black Caps as they fought their way back into a dominant position against England in the first test at Mount Maunganui.Just how dominant will be determined tomorrow – the Black Caps will likely bat on as long as possible, building a substantial lead before trying to roll England in the later stages of the test. But, having started the day trailing by 209 runs with only six wickets remaining, the Black Caps now lead by 41 runs, and still have four wickets remaining.Watling produced the first test century at Bay Oval as he finished the day unbeaten on 119, and he had the perfect foil in de Grandhomme, whose 65 was pivotal in moving the hosts from a position of uncertainty, into one of dominance.The pair added 119 for the sixth wicket, and with contributions from Henry Nicholls (41) and Mitchell Santner (31 not out), the Black Caps frustrated an English bowling attack who offered little on a docile pitch. That factor means a draw still looms as the probable result, unless the New Zealand seamers can produce something that Jofra Archer, Sam Curran and Stuart Broad could not.They'd do well to emulate the fighting qualities personified by Watling, who produced his eighth test century, and second on the trot. It was typical Watling – there weren't many shots you'll be remembering for their beauty, but his technique was sound, application flawless, and temperament as cool as ever.He offered one chance, on 31 – Ben Stokes dropping a regulation catch at first slip off Joe Root – and was on the right side of two lbw reviews from the bowling of Archer, but mostly, the fielders' relationship with the ball when Watling was batting was simply to turn around and chase as it zipped along the Bay Oval outfield.De Grandhomme was similarly – and much more surprisingly – circumspect. The usually aggressive all-rounder took 14 deliveries to get off the mark, and after some early inside edges as he struggled for timing against Curran, the man with the "see ball, hit ball" philosophy did just that.A man for home conditions, de Grandhomme swatted Archer for six over square leg, but largely kept things along the ground, content to drive through the covers and accumulate singles when on offer.The pair were so effective at accumulation that nearly 90 minutes went by in the second session before England bowled a maiden – a stark contrast to the first hour, where it took 41 minutes for a boundary, and just 26 runs were produced.That was Watling as his blocking best, while Nicholls made a handy contribution before being trapped lbw by Root. 80 runs came from 32 overs in the first session, but having resumed seriously in arrears, it was all valuable stuff, even more so when Watling and de Grandhomme were unbroken in the second session, adding 92.BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme celebrate their partnership. Photo / PhotosportTheir resistance ended the first ball after tea – de Grandhomme cutting Stokes to point, where Dom Sibley got down low to take a superb one-handed snare inches from the ground – but Santner ducked, weaved and fended his way to 31 scratchy but important runs, somehow surviving 103 balls to reach stumps, as the Black Caps hit the front.After the first four partnerships failed to surpass 54, the Black Caps middle order put together stands of 70, 116 and an unbroken 78, and the common thread was Watling, who earned his just rewards when he scampered a single to short midwicket to bring up his century off 251 balls.A standing ovation awaited him, and a rare running fist pump showed just how much it meant, not only to W...

This week: Beeso’s kitchen nightmares, Grandhomme designs, cricket gets publically owned, keeping the hoi polloi out, our extensive Rugby World Cup Final coverage, feeding the cable content maw, surprise packets, Portland’s centers cannot hold, everyone in the West is 5-3, all pod business is settled, nobody’s PPVing the Spurs, RINGZZZZ, Roypotheticals, replacing Kawhi, Sunny days sweeping the clouds away, big numbers in Ls, leaving you cold, angry heroball, bad Magic, basketballers on drugs, giant adult babies, BojBog’s buzzer beater, previewing Liverpool v Citeh, the absolute state of the rest of the top six, schedule clashes, more detail on Bathurst 1986 than anybody ever asked for, Nicholi Ro-splat-kin, d-d-dad of the year and building Lantanaland Rampage. Get more BALLS and After Dark in your ears via Omny Studio,Spotify and Apple Podcasts (please subscribe, rate and review), and feel free to hurl your reckons at us via Twitter, Facebook and email.

Alison Mitchell ahead of the second Ashes test at Lords, Lord Bryan Waddle is leaving out Colin de Grandhomme from his test 11 to play Sri Lanka, Mitchell Santner would bat seven and they would play three spinners and two pace bowlers. Plus, Ian 'Kamo Kid' Jones thinks the All Blacks need to have the self-belief to match the Wallabies in the physical areas this Saturday and wants to see Patrick Tuipulotu dominate for 50-60 minutes. He also thinks George Bridge might come in for Rieko Ioane on the wing.

Things have been "hot and steamy" in the Black Caps camp as they prepare for their test series in Sri Lanka.Less than one month on from controversially falling short to England in the Cricket World Cup grand final, the Black Caps are set for their first taste of the inaugural World Test Championship with a two-test series tipping off next week.But having delivered a 10-wicket thumping of Sri Lanka in the World Cup, it likely won't be the opposition that leaves the Black Caps sweating.Instead, the heat and humidity has so far proved most challenging during training, Black Caps' bowler Neil Wagner says."You feel like you've literally jumped in a swimming pool with your clothes on," Wagner said following a training session."[It's] pretty hot and steamy at the moment, very humid ... It seems to be a bit more sweaty and a bit more tacky around here."It's pretty tough to obviously stay dry and [we've] got to take fluids in the whole time. It's pretty wet, pretty sticky and it's going to be challenging but all the boys know what they're up for."The Black Caps posted a video to Instagram yesterday with the temperature recorded as 31 degrees and humidity more than 80 per cent.The Black Caps rummaging for cold drinks Photo / InstagramLast week, four spin bowlers were named in the Black Caps' 15-man squad, with Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel given a chance to repeat their heroics from last year's test series win over Pakistan.It was quite a contrast to their squads for tests at home but the Black Caps are preparing to play on Sri Lankan wickets where spinners utterly dominate the domestic wicket-taking charts.Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the squad followed a "horses-for courses" type strategy, taking into account previous matches held in Sri Lanka."Playing three spinners is an option in Sri Lankan conditions and we believe this group provides the best variations and skill mix on offer."The Black Caps' two-test series starts August 14.Black Caps test squad to play Sri Lanka: Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Will Somerville, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult.

We celebrate The BlackCaps beating South Africa with Wads, Alders and Colin de Grandhomme, Does Marc “over exaggerate”? Our part-time co-host Jack Goodhue of the Crusaders gives us his thoughts on the Super Rugby Quarter Final, and we give him some cricket conversation topics for his breakfast with David Havili@crusadersrugby @SuperRugbyNZ @DavidHavili @goodhue_jack @aldersonnotes @BLACKCAPS @bawads

Bryan Waddle and Jeremy Coney wrap day 3 of the test as the Black Caps need six more wickets to claim victory at stumps on day three of the first test against Bangladesh in Hamilton.The day will be remembered for New Zealand's 715 for six declared, the side's highest score in test history.Kane Williamson finished with 200 not out, while Colin de Grandhomme finished up on 76 not out.Bangladesh then reached 174 for four in the second half of the day still needing 307 more runs to make the Black Caps bat again.

It might not be the series win that New Zealand cricket fans were hoping for when India landed on these shores, but that doesn't make the Black Caps' Twenty20 triumph any less impressive.A four-run victory at Seddon Park in Hamilton tonight sealed a 2-1 series win, as New Zealand bounced back from their ODI humbling to become the first team to beat India in a Twenty20 series in 11 attempts.Yes, this was an achievement that no team had managed since 2017, and while India weren't at full strength, the destructive batting on show by some versatile players is something that should provide some confidence as the ODI World Cup looms.While neither will feature in the first two ODIs against Bangladesh this week, Colin Munro and Tim Seifert both made their cases as potentially devastating squad options to take to the World Cup, once again combining for an innings-defining stand at the top of the order.Considering the Black Caps can't buy an opening partnership in ODI cricket, it's curious, though likely coincidental, that they have twice now blazed dominant beginnings at the top of the order in Twenty20s.Seifert proved his innings in Wellington wasn't a fluke with a bold 43 from 25 balls, before he fell, stumped, and potentially victim to another controversial replay decision, with debate over whether his foot was planted behind the line.Was Tim Seifert out? Photo / SKYRegardless, it was still a splendid platform set when he departed at 80-1 in the eighth over, and while Kane Williamson's insistence on early strike rotation was completely unnecessary with nine wickets in hand, Munro again showed why he is such an alluring option in short formats, blasting 72 from 40 balls.Williamson did manage to pick things up, nursing some of his trademark classic fours in his knock of 27 from 21 balls, before handing over to the hitters to finish off the innings.They, too, did their job. Colin de Grandhomme made it back-to-back contributions with 30 from 16 balls, before Daryl Mitchell (19* from 11) and Ross Taylor (14* from seven) saw the hosts set 213 for victory.Colin de Grandhomme made another handy contribution. Photo / PhotosportIt seemed like enough – only four times had a total higher than 212 been chased down in a Twenty20 international – and when Shikhar Dhawan was caught in the deep off Mitchell Santner's bowling in the first over, India's task was made even tougher.However, first Vijay Shankar (43 from 28 balls), then Rishabh Pant (28 from 12) took a liking to the bowling of Ish Sodhi, as India rattled along at a fast rate. Crucially though, the required run rate never dropped below 10 an over, and some comparatively restrictive bowling from Mitchell and debutant Blair Tickner ensured the chase remained exceptionally challenging.The pair claimed a vital wicket apiece in the middle overs, with Rohit Sharma's struggles (38 off 32) ended by Mitchell, while Tickner removed Pant with a slower full toss, ensuring India could never get on top.Hardik Pandya briefly threatened, blasting 21 from 11 balls, but cameos weren't enough, and as the required run rate got higher, India were left needing 48 from 18 balls for victory.Three balls later, that equation was a much more manageable 33 from 15, and some further lusty blows from Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya produced a jittery finish, with 16 required from the final over.However, Tim Southee held his nerve at the death, to kill India's unbeaten run. 

Tom Latham batted his way into the record books against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve – and then kept going.A flawless day's batting saw Latham rack up a phenomenal 264 not out - the sixth-highest score in New Zealand test cricket history, as he completely bossed a Sri Lankan bowling attack all over the famous Wellington ground.It was the largest total by any test batsman in 2018, and Latham remained unbowed at the end of it, recording the highest score of anyone to carry their bat in test cricket. 489 balls and a marathon 694 minutes later, Latham walked off to a standing ovation as New Zealand totalled a mammoth 578, with Latham responsible for 45 per cent of their tremendous tally.In response, Sri Lanka once again collapsed, slumping to 20-3 before stumps, still trailing by a ridiculous 276 runs. In just 12 overs after Latham walked off, Trent Boult trapped Danushka Gunathilaka lbw for three, Tim Southee bowled Dhananjaya de Silva for a duck, and Dimuth Karunaratne sprayed a wild hook shot down the throat of Boult for Southee's second scalp, and eighth of the match.While the weather forecast threatens rain on day five, it would be a shock if Sri Lanka even made it that far, requiring a Latham-esque knock of their own for the test to end in anything but an absolute thrashing.Frankly, Sri Lanka must be sick of the sight of the Basin. The last time they were here, Kane Williamson hit 242 – somehow now the third best score against Sri Lanka in Wellington, after Martin Crowe's 299 and Latham's effort.Four of New Zealand's top six individual innings have now come against Sri Lanka, and Latham's knock was as good as any of them. Resuming on 121, Latham barely offered the visitors a chance in his second day at the crease in what could be a career-defining knock.The 26-year-old opener cruised along at a comfortable pace, accumulating with ease, playing some textbook cover drives, and generally compiling a definitive opener's innings.After struggling on the recent tour of the United Arab Emirates – averaging just 16.5 – Latham talked about still having complete trust in his game, and he displayed all of that confidence as he pummeled the poor Sri Lankan attack.He was never rash in his shot-making, and was the ever-present in a slew of demoralising partnerships. He added 114 with Henry Nicholls, who continued his strong form with a solid 50, and then combined for 73 with Colin de Grandhomme, who punched a customarily quick 49.As they plundered, the records started to fall. Latham brought up his 200 in 412 balls, clipping a single through mid-wicket, becoming the 15th Black Cap to notch a test double century.He had bigger things in his sights though, and started to hit out as the tail was exposed, becoming just the eighth New Zealander to reach 250. A six saw him move past Glenn Turner's 259 on the all-time list, and he surpassed Stephen Fleming's 262 before he eventually ran out of partners, on 264, after 157 overs of brilliance.The Basin crowd rose to their feet to applaud him off, and the Black Caps bowlers then made sure that the innings he'll remember forever will surely end in the dominant victory it undoubtedly deserves.Highest test scores for New ZealandBrendon McCullum – 302 v India, 2014Martin Crowe – 299 v Sri Lanka, 1991Ross Taylor – 290 v Australia, 2015Stephen Fleming – 274* v Sri Lanka, 2003Bryan Young – 267* v Sri Lanka, 1997Tom Latham – 264* v Sri Lanka, 2018 

LISTEN TO D'ARCY AND GORAN'S PODCAST ABOVETom Latham batted his way into the record books against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve – and then kept going.A flawless day's batting saw Latham rack up a phenomenal 264 not out - the sixth-highest score in New Zealand test cricket history, as he completely bossed a Sri Lankan bowling attack all over the famous Wellington ground.It was the largest total by any test batsman in 2018, and Latham remained unbowed at the end of it, recording the highest score of anyone to carry their bat in test cricket. 489 balls and a marathon 694 minutes later, Latham walked off to a standing ovation as New Zealand totalled a mammoth 578, with Latham responsible for 45 per cent of their tremendous tally.In response, Sri Lanka once again collapsed, slumping to 20-3 before stumps, still trailing by a ridiculous 276 runs. In just 12 overs after Latham walked off, Trent Boult trapped Danushka Gunathilaka lbw for three, Tim Southee bowled Dhananjaya de Silva for a duck, and Dimuth Karunaratne sprayed a wild hook shot down the throat of Boult for Southee's second scalp, and eighth of the match.While the weather forecast threatens rain on day five, it would be a shock if Sri Lanka even made it that far, requiring a Latham-esque knock of their own for the test to end in anything but an absolute thrashing.Frankly, Sri Lanka must be sick of the sight of the Basin. The last time they were here, Kane Williamson hit 242 – somehow now the third best score against Sri Lanka in Wellington, after Martin Crowe's 299 and Latham's effort.Four of New Zealand's top six individual innings have now come against Sri Lanka, and Latham's knock was as good as any of them. Resuming on 121, Latham barely offered the visitors a chance in his second day at the crease in what could be a career-defining knock.The 26-year-old opener cruised along at a comfortable pace, accumulating with ease, playing some textbook cover drives, and generally compiling a definitive opener's innings.After struggling on the recent tour of the United Arab Emirates – averaging just 16.5 – Latham talked about still having complete trust in his game, and he displayed all of that confidence as he pummeled the poor Sri Lankan attack.He was never rash in his shot-making, and was the ever-present in a slew of demoralising partnerships. He added 114 with Henry Nicholls, who continued his strong form with a solid 50, and then combined for 73 with Colin de Grandhomme, who punched a customarily quick 49.As they plundered, the records started to fall. Latham brought up his 200 in 412 balls, clipping a single through mid-wicket, becoming the 15th Black Cap to notch a test double century.He had bigger things in his sights though, and started to hit out as the tail was exposed, becoming just the eighth New Zealander to reach 250. A six saw him move past Glenn Turner's 259 on the all-time list, and he surpassed Stephen Fleming's 262 before he eventually ran out of partners, on 264, after 157 overs of brilliance.The Basin crowd rose to their feet to applaud him off, and the Black Caps bowlers then made sure that the innings he'll remember forever will surely end in the dominant victory it undoubtedly deserves.Highest test scores for New ZealandBrendon McCullum – 302 v India, 2014Martin Crowe – 299 v Sri Lanka, 1991Ross Taylor – 290 v Australia, 2015Stephen Fleming – 274* v Sri Lanka, 2003Bryan Young – 267* v Sri Lanka, 1997Tom Latham – 264* v Sri Lanka, 2018 

Captain Kane Williamson and coach Mike Hesson should be axed from the New Zealand T20 setup.That's the call from leading commentator Simon Doull, the former international, who wants Martin Guptill installed as the new captain. Doull suggested New Zealand great Daniel Vettori — who coaches in the IPL and Big Bash — as a coaching candidate.Doull says New Zealand is constantly found out when the pressure goes on against good sides, and believes the current T20 outfit has too many ties to the test squad.He described Hesson as a great coach, but believes he needs more breaks while the T20 side needs a specialist, more up-to-date boss.Doull said Australia had just one test player in their T20 side while the Black Caps had seven.Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee were among the players who should be dropped, with the likes of Anton Devcich, Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert promoted. The only regular test players who should survive, in Doull's opinion, were Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult.Doull told the Radio Sport Breakfast: "I don't think we are getting the selections right — I've had some concerns for a while."I would like to see Colin de Grandhomme batting higher but it is the selections, not the batting order (which is the problem). We want dynamic players and should be giving them an opportunity at T20 level."If Kane Williamson doesn't open in T20 he shouldn't be playing. His record opening is very good, at three and four it's not that great. But he shouldn't be in the T20 side, there's a lot shouldn't be in the T20 side."Williamson averages about 38 as a T20 opener, and 22 batting elsewhere. He had a shocker in the Tri-Series opener in Sydney, scoring eight off 21 deliveries against the Australians batting at number three.Williamson was dismissed for just 8 runs from 21 balls in Sydney. (Photo Photosport)Doull said Guptill was New Zealand's senior white ball specialist who would "relish the captaincy and responsibility". Coach Hesson, meanwhile, needed the chance to freshen up."He's a great coach who has done an amazing job, and has really grown into the job," Doull said."But he gets very little time off, only a small amount of time with his family. Give him T20 completely off, get a new coach, new ideas, a new bunch of players."(The coach) probably needs to have played the game to understand it a bit better. The Northern Knights had Gareth Hopkins solely as their T20 coach and he played until recently. The rest of the coaches around the country are a bit older, out of touch with T20."On the Tri-Series, Doull initially picked England as the team to beat but was extremely impressed with an Australian side packed with rising specialists."They've got guys with great slower balls, variations, long batting power. It is a very, very good T20 side and I can see Australia upsetting England," he said.

Captain Kane Williamson and coach Mike Hesson should be axed from the New Zealand T20 setup.That's the call from leading commentator Simon Doull, the former international, who wants Martin Guptill installed as the new captain. Doull suggested New Zealand great Daniel Vettori — who coaches in the IPL and Big Bash — as a coaching candidate.Doull says New Zealand is constantly found out when the pressure goes on against good sides, and believes the current T20 outfit has too many ties to the test squad.He described Hesson as a great coach, but believes he needs more breaks while the T20 side needs a specialist, more up-to-date boss.Doull said Australia had just one test player in their T20 side while the Black Caps had seven.Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tim Southee were among the players who should be dropped, with the likes of Anton Devcich, Mark Chapman and Tim Seifert promoted. The only regular test players who should survive, in Doull's opinion, were Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult.Doull told the Radio Sport Breakfast: "I don't think we are getting the selections right — I've had some concerns for a while."I would like to see Colin de Grandhomme batting higher but it is the selections, not the batting order (which is the problem). We want dynamic players and should be giving them an opportunity at T20 level."If Kane Williamson doesn't open in T20 he shouldn't be playing. His record opening is very good, at three and four it's not that great. But he shouldn't be in the T20 side, there's a lot shouldn't be in the T20 side."Williamson averages about 38 as a T20 opener, and 22 batting elsewhere. He had a shocker in the Tri-Series opener in Sydney, scoring eight off 21 deliveries against the Australians batting at number three.Williamson was dismissed for just 8 runs from 21 balls in Sydney. (Photo Photosport)Doull said Guptill was New Zealand's senior white ball specialist who would "relish the captaincy and responsibility". Coach Hesson, meanwhile, needed the chance to freshen up."He's a great coach who has done an amazing job, and has really grown into the job," Doull said."But he gets very little time off, only a small amount of time with his family. Give him T20 completely off, get a new coach, new ideas, a new bunch of players."(The coach) probably needs to have played the game to understand it a bit better. The Northern Knights had Gareth Hopkins solely as their T20 coach and he played until recently. The rest of the coaches around the country are a bit older, out of touch with T20."On the Tri-Series, Doull initially picked England as the team to beat but was extremely impressed with an Australian side packed with rising specialists."They've got guys with great slower balls, variations, long batting power. It is a very, very good T20 side and I can see Australia upsetting England," he said.

Black Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner is full of praise for Colin de Grandhomme after his match-winning performance against Pakistan last night.Santner says that for a man who is very low-key and doesn't chase the spotlight, de Grandhomme's performance in his first match back this year certainly stole the limelight.READ MORE: Grand-master - de Grandhomme blasts Black Caps to victory over PakistanSantner also explains how he came up with his new delivery - a carrom ball, which he used to completley flummox Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman.LISTEN ABOVE AS MITCHELL SANTNER SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST

Black Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner is full of praise for Colin de Grandhomme after his match-winning performance against Pakistan last night.Santner says that for a man who is very low-key and doesn't chase the spotlight, de Grandhomme's performance in his first match back this year certainly stole the limelight.READ MORE: Grand-master - de Grandhomme blasts Black Caps to victory over PakistanSantner also explains how he came up with his new delivery - a carrom ball, which he used to completley flummox Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman.LISTEN ABOVE AS MITCHELL SANTNER SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST

ODI action tomorrow from Whangarei, the first of three as the Black Caps face the Windies.The captain of the Radio Sport commentary team, Bryan Waddle, is already in Whangarei, and updateD D'Arcy and Goran on the weather forecast for the game and what sort of crowd people are expecting. He also analyses the team, including the straight swap of Colin de Grandhomme for Doug Bracewell. LISTEN TO BRYAN WADDLE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE 

ODI action tomorrow from Whangarei, the first of three as the Black Caps face the Windies.The captain of the Radio Sport commentary team, Bryan Waddle, is already in Whangarei, and updateD D'Arcy and Goran on the weather forecast for the game and what sort of crowd people are expecting. He also analyses the team, including the straight swap of Colin de Grandhomme for Doug Bracewell. LISTEN TO BRYAN WADDLE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE 

Bryan Waddle and the Radio Sport team wrap day 1 of the second test.  The West Indies have had slightly the better of day.  New Zealand have finished the day on 286 for seven in their first innings after Windies quick Shannon Gabriel claimed two late wickets when Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell Santner were removed. Gabriel finished the day with three wickets, while opener Jeet Raval was the pick of the Black Caps batsmen scoring 84.

Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan previews the second Test starting in Hamilton tomorrow.He says they had been waiting on Colin de Grandhomme to come good with the bat, McMillan also has an update on Tim Southee and explains why playing in Hamilton is such a bonus for this side.LISTEN ABOVE AS CRAIG MCMILLAN SPEAKS WITH THE RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST

Bryan Waddle wraps day 2 of the test at the Basin. A maiden test century to Colin de Grandhomme has placed New Zealand in control on day two of their opening test against the West Indies in Wellington. New Zealand now leads by 313 runs. 

Yes, we're finally back in the New Year and we get thoroughly excited about the new-look Blackcaps line-up and run the rule over the newboys, as well as talk about the Aces chances in the Ford Trophy final, and ask just who is the best test side in the world?