England seized control of the second Test against New Zealand as centuries by Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott put the tourists on course for a mammoth first innings total.

England great Ian Botham revealed he was relishing Australia's woes in India after four players were suspended for indiscipline, mocking the "wellness reports" they are forced to complete.

Half centuries by Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott put England in a dominant position at tea on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand.

England bounced back from the early loss of captain Alastair Cook to reach 75 for one at lunch against New Zealand on the opening day of the second Test at Wellington's Basin Reserve Thursday.

West Indies looked on course to win the first Test against Zimbabwe after an impressive second day which saw them bowled out for 307 in their first innings and then reduce the tourists to 41-3 in their second innings here on Wednesday.

New Zealand won the toss and sent England into bat on the opening day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday.

An attacking half-century by West Indies captain Darren Sammy inspired his team to 265 for seven in reply to Zimbabwe's first innings total of 211 here on the second day of the first Test on Wednesday.

Marlon Samuels lit up Kensington Oval with another felicitous fifty, but Zimbabwe had the last laugh on the stroke of the interval to leave the West Indies at 144 for five at lunch on the second day of the first test in Barbados on Wednesday.

Militants disguised as cricketers killed five paramilitary police in an ambush in the main city of Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said, in the deadliest attack for nearly five years.

Australian vice-captain Shane Watson has denied any rift with skipper Michael Clarke and strongly rejected suggestions he is not a team player after being axed for one Test for indiscipline.

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum praised the "genius" Alastair Cook, saying that England's free-scoring captain was second only to Australian legend Don Bradman on current form.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur said a team culture including unacceptable "back-chat" and "attitude" forced him to controversially axe four players for the next Test in India.

Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket on Wednesday appointed Ralph Waters as chairman of the organising committee for the 2015 World Cup after the death last week of James Strong.

Australian vice-captain Shane Watson has denied any rift with skipper Michael Clarke and strongly rejected suggestions he is not a team player after being axed for one Test for indiscipline.

Two wickets from Kyle Jarvis gave Zimbabwe a boost on a tough opening day in the first Test saw them all out for 211 before restricting the West Indies to 18 for two at stumps here at the Kensington Oval.

The West Indies bowlers dominated the afternoon session as Zimbabwe slumped to 162 for six at tea on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval here on Tuesday.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach claimed two early wickets but Zimbabwe weathered the early storm in progressing to 91 for two at lunch on the opening day of the first test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara on Tuesday rattled up his second century against Bangladesh in the drawn opening Test, which saw a record-equalling eight hundreds.

Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara hit centuries against Bangladesh on the fifth and final day of the first Test in Galle on Tuesday as the match headed for a draw.

Australia's preparations for their Ashes double-header against England have been plunged into turmoil after four players were axed for not doing a "homework" assignment during the tour of India.