Preview: Ireland Aussie clash perfect for party time
One former ruler returns, another takes his leave, a genuine out-half battle that looks set to run for years, a Lions sub-plot, and there's the small matter of a 150th birthday party.
New Zealand Sport News
"To Allow Virat Kohli To Get 100...": Australia Great Blasts Team For India Star's Perth Test Ton
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has slammed the Pat Cummins-led side for allowing India star batter Virat Kohli to score a century in the 1st Test in Perth earlier this week. Kohli arrived in Australia under a lot of pressure after failing in India's home Test series loss against New Zealand, where he scored just 93 across six innings. However, the former India captain was in vintage batting form as he scored his 30th Test century, and the 81st of his glorious international career.
Harry Brook Slams 171, England Take Total Control Of 1st Test vs New Zealand
A sustained seam attack by Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse following a belligerent batting effort saw England on the verge of wrapping up the first Test at stumps on day three in Christchurch on Saturday. New Zealand were 155-6 at the close, ahead by just four runs and with only four wickets remaining. Daryl Mitchell was not out 31 with Nathan Smith on one. England made 499 in their first innings, an imposing 151-run lead, led by Harry Brook's 171. "We're in an amazing position to go on and win the game," said Brook, who benefitted from five dropped catches. "I had a lot of luck, didn't I. and thankfully I cashed in."
Kane Williamson Scripts History, Becomes First-Ever New Zealand Batter To Slam 9000 Test Runs
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has scripted history after becoming the first Kiwi batter to complete 9,000 Test runs. The dependable batter achieved the feat on Saturday during the first Test against England at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Williamson, making his comeback after recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out of the India Test series, reached the milestone during New Zealand's second innings on the third day of the match.
NZ clinging on in Christchurch after England's Brook hits 171
:England took charge of the first test against New Zealand on Saturday, riding Harry Brook's 171 to a first-innings lead of 151 before reducing the Black Caps to 155 for six at close of play on day three in Christchurch.
New Zealand vs England 1st Test Day 3 Live Score Updates
New Zealand vs England 1st Test Day 3 Live Updates: Harry Brook will aim to continue his marathon knock with Ben Stokes as his partner, as five-down England aim to take lead against New Zealand on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. A fearless Brook slammed an unbeaten century to give England the upper hand in the game against an error-strewn Blackcaps on day two. At stumps Brook was 132 not out with the visitors recovering from 71 for 4 to be 319 for 5, trailing the hosts by 29 runs and with five wickets in hand. Captain Stokes was unbeaten on 37 after being dropped by Tom Latham on 30 -- New Zealand's sixth dropped catch and the third by their skipper. (Live Scorecard)
Brook departs for 171 as England take 111-run lead in Christchurch
England's Harry Brook was finally dismissed for 171 on the third day of the first test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday but the tourists reached lunch on 459 for eight with a first-innings lead of 111.
