A lacklustre India began their campaign in the 21st Azlan Shah Cup hockey with an embarrassing 1-5 defeat at the hands of a speedy New Zealand in Ipoh on Thursday.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White has said that the possibility of multiple coaches for the national team, for the game's different formats, is being looked into. This, he said, could be an option to help New Zealand get through a hectic international schedule more effectively.

Troubled batsman Jesse Ryder was omitted on Thursday from New Zealand's 15-man Test squad to tour the West Indies, with South Africa-born paceman Neil Wagner one of two new faces in the line-up.

India held New Zealand 3-3 in their last preliminary match of the second-leg Women Four Nation Hockey Tournament in Pakuranga, Auckland on Saturday.

New Zealand and the West Indies will play two Twenty20 cricket internationals in Florida later this year at the start of New Zealand's full tour of the Caribbean.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's hometown Ranchi will witness their favourite son in India jersey for the first time when they will host an ODI international against England during the series from November 2012 - January 2013.

Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag confirmed on Thursday that injured New Zealand captain Ross Taylor will be available from the fourth match of the Indian Premier League.

There is tension simmering in New Zealand Cricket (NZC) between director of cricket John Buchanan and coach John Wright.

Ross Taylor, the New Zealand captain, has said he would have come out to bat despite a broken arm to help save the third Test against South Africa in Wellington.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns hopes to be involved with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after winning his libel case against former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi.