Speaking ahead of the first Test at Lord's, Stokes said, 'You'll be seeing an England team go out there that's still desperate to win. We'll go out there, and we'll]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101380/desperate-to-win-england-skipper-ben-stokes-ahead-of-1st-test-against-new-zealand 279101380 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:32:24 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101380/desperate-to-win-england-skipper-ben-stokes-ahead-of-1st-test-against-new-zealand London [UK], June 4 (ANI): The Lord's Stadium in the UK is set to host its 150th Test match as England takes on New Zealand for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy on Thursday.

As per ESPNCricinfo, Lord's has hosted more Tests than any other venue in the world.

Since 1884, England has featured in 146 Tests at the Lord's, winning 60, losing 35 and drawing 51, as per ESPNCricinfo.

On the other hand, New Zealand h]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101375/root-journey-towards-test-immortality-stokes-milestone-lord-set-to-host-historic-150th-test-match 279101375 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:31:57 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101375/root-journey-towards-test-immortality-stokes-milestone-lord-set-to-host-historic-150th-test-match By Vipul Kashyap

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 4 (ANI): Indian batter and former captain Rohit Sharma is doubtful for the ODI series against Afghanistan and could miss the series, as per a BCCI sources.

Rohit, who missed some Indian Premier League (IPL) game time due to a hamstring injury, is included in the Indian squad but his participation was subject to fitness.

In nine IPL matches this yea]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101287/rohit-sharma-doubtful-for-afghanistan-odis-could-miss-the-series-bcci-sources 279101287 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:31:29 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101287/rohit-sharma-doubtful-for-afghanistan-odis-could-miss-the-series-bcci-sources (Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images)

Riviera Country Club is a marquee venue to host a women's golf major. Will a marquee name meet the moment?

The U.S. Women's Open is the first women's major championship to be held at Riviera, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. The course is home to the Genesis Invitational, the annual PGA Tour event hosted by Tiger Woods, and it will be the site ]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100494/riviera-sets-stage-for-big-names-to-compete-for-us-women-open-title 279100494 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:05:05 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100494/riviera-sets-stage-for-big-names-to-compete-for-us-women-open-title Tehran [Iran], June 3 (ANI): Iran will play their FIFA World Cup warm-up fixture behind closed doors against Mali in Turkey on Thursday before travelling to Mexico on Saturday, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) announced on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Despite being among the earliest teams to secure qualification for the World Cup, Iran's participation had faced uncertainty following West Asia conflict. http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100355/iran-to-play-closed-door-fifa-world-cup-warm-up-against-mali-before-mexico-departure 279100355 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:33:30 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100355/iran-to-play-closed-door-fifa-world-cup-warm-up-against-mali-before-mexico-departure (Photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images)

Despite visa delays, the Iranian national team will travel to Mexico this weekend to prepare for the World Cup.

Iran's participation in this summer's tournament in North America has been in some doubt since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation in late February.

Iran announced last month that it was moving its World Cup ba]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100229/iran-sets-world-cup-travel-date-following-visa-delay 279100229 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:05:10 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100229/iran-sets-world-cup-travel-date-following-visa-delay Dhaka [Bangladesh], June 3 (ANI): Bangladesh selectors have brought back middle-order batter Mosaddek Hossain to the ODI squad for the upcoming series against Australia, which begins next week, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The 30-year-old is one of two changes from the squad that featured against New Zealand in April, with Nurul Hasan also returning. Mahidul Islam and Afif Hossain have been omitted from the squad ]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100054/bangladesh-recall-mosaddek-hossain-for-australia-odis-after-four-year-gap 279100054 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:22 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279100054/bangladesh-recall-mosaddek-hossain-for-australia-odis-after-four-year-gap Sydney [Australia], June 3 (ANI): Australia skipper Pat Cummins has hinted that he could skip next year's Indian Premier League (IPL) as he prepares for a long Test season and for their road to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Cummins is back home after featuring for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the second half of their season, which ended in the eliminator. He will be aiming to freshen his legs for the next Test assignm]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279099076/something-has-got-to-give-cummins-hints-at-skipping-ipl-next-year-as-australia-gear-up-for-ashes-wc2027 279099076 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:04:00 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279099076/something-has-got-to-give-cummins-hints-at-skipping-ipl-next-year-as-australia-gear-up-for-ashes-wc2027 Wellington [New Zealand], June 3 (ANI): New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has unveiled a blockbuster home summer schedule, with their men's and women's teams set to feature in an action-packed lineup of major international fixtures. The most notable feature of the schedule is India's highly anticipated all-format tour of New Zealand.

India and New Zealand will contest in five T20Is, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279098612/all-format-india-series-headlines-new-zealand-blockbuster-home-summer-schedule 279098612 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 02:58:44 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279098612/all-format-india-series-headlines-new-zealand-blockbuster-home-summer-schedule (Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images)

Lydia Ko enters this week's U.S. Women's Open with a chance to eclipse Annika Sorenstam as the biggest money-winner in women's golf. New Zealand's Ko, however, doesn't believe the comparisons are fair.

'We're playing in a very different generation right now,' Ko, 29, told reporters during Tuesday's press conference at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Cali]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279098427/ko-downplays-chance-to-pass-sorenstam-on-money-list 279098427 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:40:21 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279098427/ko-downplays-chance-to-pass-sorenstam-on-money-list New Delhi [India], June 2 (ANI): Newly-appointed India men's cricket team spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule expressed his delight at joining the national setup, calling the opportunity to serve Indian cricket once again 'deeply special.'

Bahutule's remarks came after he was appointed as the spin-bowling coach of the India men's senior team ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. Reacting]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097868/it-is-a-tremendous-honour-sairaj-bahutule-on-india-spin-coach-appointment 279097868 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:59:53 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097868/it-is-a-tremendous-honour-sairaj-bahutule-on-india-spin-coach-appointment Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 2 (ANI): Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues spoke about the most anxious she felt while batting in her life during a must-win ICC Women's World Cup campaign against New Zealand last year, adding that her half-century against White Ferns meant more to her than her century in a record-breaking chase against Australia in the semifinal.

Rodrigues, who is gunning for some incredible pe]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097828/that-76-not-out-against-nz-meant-more-than-127-in-the-semifinal-jemimah-on-overcoming-form-slump-in-icc-women-wc 279097828 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:34:07 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097828/that-76-not-out-against-nz-meant-more-than-127-in-the-semifinal-jemimah-on-overcoming-form-slump-in-icc-women-wc New Delhi [India], June 2 (ANI): Former India leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule has joined the men's national team as spin-bowling coach ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, scheduled from June 6 to 10, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The 53-year-old will oversee India's spin department across formats. Bahutule joins the Indian camp after a stint with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier Lea]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097673/sairaj-bahutule-appointed-india-spin-bowling-coach-ahead-of-afghanistan-one-off-test 279097673 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:01:18 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097673/sairaj-bahutule-appointed-india-spin-bowling-coach-ahead-of-afghanistan-one-off-test London [UK], June 2 (ANI): England spinner Linsey Smith has continued her remarkable rise in international cricket by climbing to the top of the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time in her career.

The left-arm spinner's ascent comes on the back of a series of impressive performances against New Zealand and India, with Smith gaining one place to overtake Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal and claim the No. 1 r]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097259/england-linsey-smith-climbs-to-no-1-in-icc-women-t20i-bowling-rankings 279097259 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:01:53 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097259/england-linsey-smith-climbs-to-no-1-in-icc-women-t20i-bowling-rankings New Delhi [India], June 2 (ANI): Legendary Dutch dragflicker Taeke Taekema joined the Senior Indian Women's Hockey Team for a specialised training camp focused on dragflicking and penalty-corner execution during the team's tour of Australia and New Zealand from May 26 to June 21 2026.

Taekema has been brought in to further sharpen the skills of dragflickers as the Indian team prepares for the FIH Hockey Women's ]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097228/dutch-legend-taeke-taekema-joins-indian-women-hockey-team-for-specialised-dragflicking-camp 279097228 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:58:55 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279097228/dutch-legend-taeke-taekema-joins-indian-women-hockey-team-for-specialised-dragflicking-camp New Delhi [India], June 2 (ANI): Hockey India on Tuesday announced the Indian Women's Team for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26, scheduled to be held from June 15 to 21 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Salima Tete will continue to lead the side for the tournament. Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam will provide the team with reliable and experienced options for goalkeeping. In defence, Sushil]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096646/hockey-india-announces-squad-for-fih-hockey-women-nations-cup-new-zealand-2025-26 279096646 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 06:31:37 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096646/hockey-india-announces-squad-for-fih-hockey-women-nations-cup-new-zealand-2025-26 (Photo credit: REUTERS via West Asia News Agency)

Striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted from Iran's 26-man World Cup roster announced on Monday.

Azmoun has scored 57 goals in 91 national team appearances, but the 31-year-old was dropped from the squad in March. That reportedly stemmed from a social media post that Iranian officials took issue with during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, and Az]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095867/iran-omits-sardar-azmoun-from-world-cup-roster 279095867 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:25:11 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095867/iran-omits-sardar-azmoun-from-world-cup-roster New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): West Indies have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, with all three matches scheduled to be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica between June 3 and June 8.

Captain Shai Hope will continue to lead the side, which has been strengthened by the return of several key players, as per the ICC website.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph returns to the OD]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095169/west-indies-announce-15-member-squad-for-sri-lanka-odi-series-shai-hope-to-lead 279095169 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:04:33 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095169/west-indies-announce-15-member-squad-for-sri-lanka-odi-series-shai-hope-to-lead Rawalpindi [Pakistan], May 31 (ANI): Pakistan spinner Arafat Minhas made history, becoming the first-ever bowler from his team to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut.

Minhas achieved this milestone during his side's first ODI match against Australia at Rawalpindi, taking 5/32 in 10 overs to wrap up Australia for a sub-par score.

Before this, Zakir Hussain (4/19 against New Zealand at Peshawar in 1984), he]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093112/arafat-minhas-registers-first-fifer-by-pakistan-bowler-on-odi-debut 279093112 Sun, 31 May 2026 14:34:33 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093112/arafat-minhas-registers-first-fifer-by-pakistan-bowler-on-odi-debut New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): New Zealand have recalled Mitchell Santner to their Test squad for the series against England, kickstarting at Lord's from June 4, after he recovered from a shoulder injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for Mumbai Indians.

The 34-year-old had initially been ruled out of the opening Test at Lord's, as well as the one-off Test against Ireland, after]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093028/santner-back-in-nz-test-squad-after-recovery-from-ipl-shoulder-injury 279093028 Sun, 31 May 2026 13:31:41 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093028/santner-back-in-nz-test-squad-after-recovery-from-ipl-shoulder-injury Singapore, May 31 (ANI): Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Sunday held discussions with US Congressman and member of the House Armed Services Committee Pat Harrigan, who led a bipartisan US Congressional Delegation (CODEL) on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said, 'Defence Sec]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279092933/defence-secretary-rajesh-kumar-singh-meets-bipartisan-us-congress-delegation-on-shangri-la-dialogue-sidelines 279092933 Sun, 31 May 2026 11:31:23 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279092933/defence-secretary-rajesh-kumar-singh-meets-bipartisan-us-congress-delegation-on-shangri-la-dialogue-sidelines Singapore, May 31 (ANI): India on Sunday held high-level defence engagements with New Zealand and Singapore on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, focusing on deepening strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a post on X by the Ministry of Defence, it was stated that the Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh 'held productive interactions with Defence Minister of New Zealand Ch]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279092827/india-strengthens-defence-ties-with-new-zealand-singapore-on-sidelines-of-shangri-la-dialogue 279092827 Sun, 31 May 2026 09:00:36 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279092827/india-strengthens-defence-ties-with-new-zealand-singapore-on-sidelines-of-shangri-la-dialogue Our earlier release regarding King's Birthday honours contained incorrect information regarding the honour received by Inspector Ross Grantham.

We stated he had been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

He has in fact been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

We sincerely apologise for the error, and any confusion caused.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media ]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093536/correction-stalwarts-of-service-honoured 279093536 Sun, 31 May 2026 15:37:57 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093536/correction-stalwarts-of-service-honoured Commissioner Richard Chambers has congratulated two members of Police who are today recognised with royal honours.

Inspectors Ross Grantham (Central District) and Neru (Nu) Leifi (Canterbury District) are both made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).

Ross has been honoured for services to New Zealand Police and Nu has been honoured for services to New Zealand Police and the community.

C]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093378/stalwarts-of-service-honoured 279093378 Sun, 31 May 2026 12:37:56 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279093378/stalwarts-of-service-honoured BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that an entry ban had been imposed on certain New Zealand lawmakers after they visited China's Taiwan region, an act that violates the one-China principle.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing. She added that anyone who crosses the red line on the Taiwan question must pay the price.

Mao note]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101742/update-china-confirms-entry-ban-on-new-zealand-lawmakers 279101742 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:47:10 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101742/update-china-confirms-entry-ban-on-new-zealand-lawmakers BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that an entry ban had been imposed on certain New Zealand lawmakers after they visited China's Taiwan region, an act that violates the one-China principle.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing. She added that anyone who crosses the red line on the Taiwan question must pay the price.

Mao n]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101738/1st-ld-writethru-china-confirms-entry-ban-on-new-zealand-lawmakers 279101738 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:46:54 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101738/1st-ld-writethru-china-confirms-entry-ban-on-new-zealand-lawmakers BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that an entry ban had been imposed on certain New Zealand lawmakers after they visited China's Taiwan region, an act that violates the one-China principle.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing. She added that anyone who crosses the red line on the Taiwan question must pay the price.

China's men were drawn into Pool C with the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand and Japan. They opened with a 22-14 win over Japan on Monday, but then lost three straight to the Nethe]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101452/roundup-china-women-advance-to-play-in-round-of-fiba-3x3-world-cup 279101452 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:45:30 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279101452/roundup-china-women-advance-to-play-in-round-of-fiba-3x3-world-cup MADRID, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Football legend Lionel Messi was named the 2026 winner of the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sport on Wednesday.

The honor came just days after Messi was included in the Argentina World Cup squad for what will be the sixth World Cup of his career.

The award recognizes the 38-year-old's "dazzling talent, his exceptional sporting career and his formidable and ongoing c]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279099758/messi-wins-spain-prestigious-princess-of-asturias-award-for-sport 279099758 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:47:10 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279099758/messi-wins-spain-prestigious-princess-of-asturias-award-for-sport WELLINGTON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's services exports rose sharply in the March 2026 quarter, driven largely by increased visitor spending, official data showed on Wednesday.

Services exports climbed 17 percent to 11.5 billion New Zealand dollars in the quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, according to Stats NZ.

Travel services led the growth, up 23 percent to 7 billion NZ dollars]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279098678/visitor-boom-pushes-new-zealand-services-exports-higher 279098678 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:15:17 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279098678/visitor-boom-pushes-new-zealand-services-exports-higher WELLINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will establish five new marine reserves along the Otago coast, expanding protection for some of the country's most distinctive marine ecosystems, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said on Tuesday.

The reserves, covering about 308 square kilometers, form part of the southeast marine protection network and will take effect from July 1. The move will increase marine reserv]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096427/new-zealand-to-establish-5-new-marine-reserves 279096427 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:15:07 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096427/new-zealand-to-establish-5-new-marine-reserves WELLINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government said on Tuesday that it will impose travel bans on three extremist Israeli settlers, joining partners including Australia and the European Union.

The sanctions target individuals accused of actively expanding illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including through violence, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement.

"The actions ]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096314/new-zealand-bans-travel-for-3-extremist-israeli-settlers 279096314 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:45:14 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096314/new-zealand-bans-travel-for-3-extremist-israeli-settlers CANBERRA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Tuesday imposed sanctions on three Israeli individuals and four entities in response to escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Announcing the sanctions in a statement, Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, said settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank undermines Israel's security and its standing i]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096289/australia-imposes-sanctions-on-israeli-settlers-in-west-bank 279096289 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 02:15:04 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279096289/australia-imposes-sanctions-on-israeli-settlers-in-west-bank Share article

Print article

Stopping judges from considering "good character" references when sentencing sexual offenders - as New Zealand's National Party has pledged to if re-elected]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095902/national-wants-to-scrap-sexual-offender-character-references-should-nz-go-further 279095902 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:01:44 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095902/national-wants-to-scrap-sexual-offender-character-references-should-nz-go-further WELLINGTON, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed in overnight crashes in New Zealand, bringing the King's Birthday holiday road toll to seven, police said on Monday.

Three people died in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 near Waiouru in central North Island at about 2:55 a.m. local time, while two others were seriously injured in a different vehicle, said a police statement.

A person initially ]]> http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095044/7-dead-in-new-zealand-holiday-road-crashes 279095044 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:15:20 GMT http://www.christchurchnews.net/news/279095044/7-dead-in-new-zealand-holiday-road-crashes Source: Beehive