IPL Commitments Force Kiwis to Cut Test

Wellington: New Zealand have shortened next year's home Test series against Australia to two matches to help alleviate scheduling conflicts with the lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 season.

Six senior New Zealand players, including captain Daniel Vettori, delayed signing their contracts with New Zealand's cricket board until late July, after conflicts between the IPL and the team's international programme were clarified.

IPL player payments are made on a pro-rata basis, reducing the money paid to players when they miss parts of the tournament.

The Australians traditionally play three tests when touring their neighbours but New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said it had cut the series back to two tests due to the "compressed nature of the tour".

"Playing test cricket in New Zealand after the cessation of daylight saving and deep into the second week of April is not realistic," NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said in a statement on Monday.

"Therefore our only option has been to limit the series to two tests."

Scores	Upcoming	Results
West Indies vs Bangladesh - 3rd T20I Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - 2nd ODI South Africa vs Pakistan - 2nd ODI 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 21, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 3rd Test - Australia v India at Brisbane Match drawn 2nd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 27 runs

Johnson Grabs 10, Aussies Complete Another Cleansweep [+]

Australia wrapped up the second Test match against New Zealand shortly before lunch on the final day at Seddon Park in Hamilton to clean-sweep the series 2-0.

Mitchell Johnson Lift Aussies in Final Test [+]

Australia claimed three wickets in the final session on day four of its Test against New Zealand to leave the home side struggling for survival on 185 for 5 at stumps at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Katich Sets up Australia Take 300-run Lead Against NZ [+]

Australia has taken control of the second Test against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton after some big scores helped it to 333 for 4 at stumps on day three.

Seamers Back Aussies in Hamilton Test [+]

After a poor batting performance by Australia yesterday, they have managed to bring the match on a level, restricting the Kiwis to a lead of 33 runs.

Vettori & Southee Destroys Aussies on 231 [+]

A late strike by Doug Bollinger has kept Australia in the contest after plucky New Zealand ripped through their top order in the second Test.

Aussies Looks End Season With Whitewash [+]

Australia's tour of New Zealand will draw to a close at Seddon Park in Hamilton, the venue for the Second Test starting on Saturday.

Clarke Threat For Sehwag's Test Top Spot [+]

Virender Sehwag's number one Test batsman's tag is under threat with Michael Clarke hoping to snatch the top slot with some stellar performance against NZ.

Williamson Set to Debut in Hamilton Test Against Australia [+]

New Zealand all rounder Kane Williamson (19) is all set to make his debut against Australia in the second Test in Hamilton.

Harris Beer Therapy to Overcome Windy Wellington Test [+]

Test debutant Ryan Harris quietly celebrated Australia's victory over New Zealand in the first Test with beer, as the team was tired facing tough windy conditions in the Wellington Test.

Injured Tuffey Ruled Out of Second Aussies Test [+]

New Zealand fast bowler Daryl Tuffey has been ruled out of second cricket Test against Australia with a broken left hand.