Joe Root relishing being a ‘rock star’ after England’s historic win over India
Joe Root has revealed England captain Ben Stokes has inspired his record-breaking Test team to play “like rock stars”.
New Zealand Sport News
Sexton to lead Ireland against All Blacks despite concussion scare
Johnny Sexton was named Thursday in the Ireland side to face New Zealand in the second Test, despite the veteran fly-half failing a concussion assessment during last week's defeat in Auckland.
Australia's Steve Smith raises doubts over England's attacking style
Steve Smith said England's new attacking approach to Test cricket was exciting but expressed doubts over whether it could stand up to the heat of Australian bowling. England have won all four Tests under new coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, crushing world Test champions New Zealand 3-0 in June before chasing down a record 378 against India this week. Smith said England's batters may not fare so well against the Australian bowling attack of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. "It's been exciting. I'm just intrigued to see how long it lasts, if it's sustainable," Smith told reporters before Australia's second Test against Sri Lanka begins on Friday in Galle. "If you come in on a wicket that's got some grass on it and Josh Hazlewood, Cummins and Starc are rolling in at you, is it going to be the same? I'm intrigued by it all ... Is it going to work every time? I don't know."
Papalii in for All Blacks as Hansen returns for Ireland
:New Zealand and Ireland have each made one change to their starting sides for Saturday's second test in Dunedin, the All Blacks bringing in Dalton Papalii at blindside flanker and the tourists restoring Mack Hansen to the right wing.
Mack Hansen returns for Ireland in only change for second Test
Ireland and New Zealand have both made one change apiece to their teams for Saturday's second Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Australia's Smith raises doubts over England's attacking style
Steve Smith said England's new attacking approach to test cricket was exciting but expressed doubts over whether it could stand up to the heat of Australian bowling.
Games-NZ boxer Nyika out of Commonwealth Games with hand injury
New Zealand boxer David Nyika will not have the chance to fight for a third straight Commonwealth Games gold medal after pulling out of this year's event in England with a hand injury, the country's Olympic committee (NZOC) said on Thursday.
Papalii comes into All Blacks side for second Ireland test
New Zealand coach Ian Foster has made one enforced change to his starting side for Saturday's second test against Ireland in Dunedin, bringing in Dalton Papalii at blindside flanker and shifting Scott Barrett to lock.