Wellington - Air New Zealand criticized Wednesday the handling of a preliminary report by French investigators into a crash of one of its Airbus planes in the Mediterranean that blamed crew error.

New Zealand investigators also said a low-altitude stall which happened before the A320 plane crashed into the sea off Perpignan in southern France could not happen under normal flying operations.

The two German pilots and five New Zealanders performing in-flight checks before returning the plane to Air New Zealand at the end of a lease agreement with XL Airways died instantly.

Christchurch (New Zealand), Feb. 25: The New Zealand cricket team will seek to put pressure on explosive Indian opener Virender Sehwag during the series that includes two Twenty20 matches, five one-day internationals and three Tests.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori made no attempt to diminish the influence the 30-year-old could exert throughout the tour.

Christchurch (New Zealand), Feb. 25: New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori has said that India are notorious for not touring his country, and therefore, this could be an advantage for his side in the upcoming series.

"This will be a huge challenge," stuff. co. nz quoted Vettori, as saying.

Vettori is at least in a position to fight fire with fire at the top of the order with Jesse Ryder and Brendon McCullum reunited.

Christchurch (New Zealand), Feb. 25: Nathan McCullum will join younger brother Brendon on the field for the first time in New Zealand colours at home when the Black Caps meet India in tonight''s Twenty20 cricket international in Christchurch.

The Otago pair have played together at international level twice at the 2007 World Twenty20 Cup in South Africa and this month against Australia.

No spectators will be watching the match more intently than their Christchurch-based parents, Stu and Jan McCullum.

Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 25: New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan and New Zealand players boss Heath Mills have both welcomed the decision to postpone the Black Caps'' controversial tour of Zimbabwe, saying it will allow some "breathing space" to sort out the difficult situation in the African nation.

Amidst growing pressure from the New Zealand government, the New Zealand and Zimbabwe cricket associations confirmed this morning that the July tour would be postponed for a year until 2010.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had voiced his concerns over the political unrest and deteriorating financial, health and social problems in Zimbabwe and even hinted that the Black Caps might be prevented from travelling there.

Christchurch (New Zealand), Feb. 25: The New Zealand cricket team stands to gain 25 million New Zealand dollars if it come off with a win against India in the cricket series which starts with a Twenty20 international at AMI Stadium tonight.

Apart from the two Twenty20 matches, both sides will compete in five one-day matches and three Tests, reports stuff. co. nz.

The money will mainly come from television revenue.

With the Future Tours Programme (FTP) schedule ending in 2012 and up for renegotiation it underlines the need for a creditable display.

India is well documented as the game''s powerhouse financially and of late its playing standards have lifted to match.