Cricket Australia have vowed to avoid putting players, officials and fans at risk as they prepare to confront a smoky haze at the Sydney test

The third match between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG starts at 12.30 amid the bushfire crisis.

Umpires will make the call on whether the match continues in the event of poor conditions, the worst of which are forecast tomorrow.



Meanwhile, Auckland's Glenn Phillips has been called in as cover after uncertainty over the health of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and middle order batsman Henry Nicholls.

The pair missed training for a second day suffering flu-like symptoms - spinner Mitchell Santner was absent with the same illness.



A move to cricket's coaching ranks for leg spinner Ish Sodhi.

The 27-year-old missed out on selection as a player in the Indian Premier League auction, but has instead been recruited by the Rajasthan Royals as a spin consultant - with some additional work on the operations side of the business.



Central Districts have beaten Otago by five wickets in their men's Super Smash Twenty20 match at Napier.

The Stags chased a target of 185 with an over to spare - Kieran Noema-Barnett starred with an innings of 55 runs from 30 balls.

CD move back to third on the table, but the Volts still lead.

Earlier, the Sparks beat the Hinds by 72 runs in the women's competition after posting 181 for three.

Off spinner Eden Carson took five wickets for 18 runs.

Otago overleap CD into third on the table.



Tennis player Michael Venus will serve up vows rather than volleys ahead of his appearance at this year's men's ASB Classic, starting January 13.

The 32-year-old is getting married to partner Sally in the interim.



Tennis Australia has confirmed plans are in place to support those impacted by the country's bushfires.

It follows Nick Kyrgios' proposal for a charity exhibition match to raise funds ahead of this month's Australian Open.

The world No.30 has also pledged 200 Australian dollars for every ace he hits this summer.



The defending men's singles champion and last year's beaten finalist have been eliminated on the opening day of bowls' national singles and pairs tournament in Christchurch.

Taylor Horn and Tony Fabling have lost two of their first three matches in section play.



First baseman Jared Walker has hit a pair of home runs and just missed a third to lead the Auckland Tuatara to a 6-3 Australian baseball league win over Geelong Korea at North Harbour Stadium before a crowd in excess of 1200.

The Tuatara have improved to a 13-12 win-loss record for the season and remain first in the northeast division.