New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum on Tuesday scrapped plans to sue former skipper John Parker after receiving an apology over claims he said attacked his integrity. Parker alleged earlier this month that McCullum, 31, was aware his predecessor Ross Taylor was going to be axed as skipper late last year, despite the batsman's insistence he knew nothing about the decision. McCullum, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League, said last week that he would sue Parker for defamation unless the 62-year-old retracted the claims.

By Greg Stutchbury WELLINGTON (Reuters) - England's Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott punctured New Zealand's growing bubble of self-belief on Thursday as they both scored centuries to guide their side to an imposing 267 for two at the close of play on the first day of the second test. The hosts had entered the match with a burgeoning sense of confidence after a credible performance in the drawn first test in Dunedin, though England's batsmen brought them back to earth on Thursday with a ruthlessly efficient display.

AUCKLAND, Feb 23 (Reuters) - England's bowlers put their side into a strong position to seal victory in their one-day series against New Zealand as they bowled the hosts out for 185 in 43.5 overs in the third and final match at Eden Park on Saturday. Captain Brendon McCullum (79) was the only batsman to provide any resistance after England's opening bowlers James Anderson and Steve Finn put immense pressure on the top order to restrict the hosts to 18 for three after 10 overs.

Collated scoreboards in the opening one-day international between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park on Sunday. England A. Cook b McClenaghan 4 I. Bell c B. McCullum b Franklin 64 J. Trott b Mills 68 J. Root b Franklin 56 E. Morgan c Guptill b Mills 1 J. Buttler c Elliott b McClenaghan 21 C. Woakes c B. McCullum b Ellis 17 S. Broad c B. McCullum b McClenaghan 1 G. Swann c Taylor b Franklin 16