At Edgbaston nine days ago the cricketing world hung on a two-run victory. Today, the same margin was greeted by total indifference.

Despite a greatly improved performance from the first test, Zimbabwe are still facing a 2-0 whitewash.

Ricky Ponting’s magnificent 156 helped the Australians save the third test, despite another heroic performance from Andrew Flintoff.

Brilliant morning spell from Shane Bond has put NZ in control early in the second test, but Zimbabwe fought back well late in the day.

New Zealand has retained the same line-up for the second test against Zimbabwe, while the home side have one addition.

A five-wicket haul by Glenn McGrath was Australia’s only positive as England, for whom Strauss scored 106, took command at Old Trafford

In a surprise move Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman, Zaheer Khan and Lakshmipathy Balaji have been left out of the Tri-Nation Series in Zimbabwe

Just fourteen overs of play were possible on a rain-ravaged third day of the Third Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford

England have dominated the later stages of the second day at Old Trafford, to take a firm grip on the important third test.

NZC’s CEO Martin Sneddon has announced a revised home summer schedule, including Australia, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.