Why a day at the races is part of McCullum's Test masterplan

ENGLAND coach Brendon McCullum has stressed that the fun should be put into Test cricket, as he helps the longest form of the game fight back against the rise of the franchises.

- Cameron Ponsonby

England's preparation for their two-match series against New Zealand has been a relaxed affair, with a single two-day warm-up fixture coming to a close here today. Olly Stone picked up three wickets, as the tourists bowled out a New Zealand XI for 310.

The standalone warm-up match followed a four-day golf trip and threeday training camp as the only preparation ahead of the Test series.

England did have a second two-day warm-up game planned, but cancelled it in favour of an optional training session and a day off - one that might be spent watching McCullum's horse in the Te Rapa races.