Hamilton Test: Chameera’s blitz puts Sri Lanka on top

A superb all-round performance by New Zealand in Dunedin, that gave them a thumping 122 runs win against Sri Lanka, helped the hosts to extend their unbeaten Test record on home soil to 12 matches.

However, in a game that was set up by New Zealand’s batsmen Martin Guptill (156) and Tom Latham’s (109 not out) with centuries, Kane Williamson’s (88 & 71), twin half-centuries and McCullum (75) half-century shone for the hosts.

Losing three wickets for five runs just before the rain was a blight on an otherwise spirited performance from a young visiting side in tough conditions.

In his next over he took out New Zealands batting kingpin Williamson for one.

Southee made returns of 3 for 63, which was the best of the innings, while Doug Bracewell and Trent Boult picked up two each.

Santner fell to Nuwan Pradeep, but New Zealand’s lower order continued to fight, with Watling going on to add 28 with Bracewell.

While New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers occasionally troubled that duo, the openers were still able to score at a steady rate. With 292 on the board, Sri Lanka could afford to fancy their chance.

New Zealand wrapped up the last wicket in the face of Chameera, who faced 45 deliveries for four runs. Wagner bowls it short, Lakmal edges it over the fielder at slips. Three further one dayers between January 5th and 10th bring the series to a close, before New Zealand welcome Pakistan for a series that will run throughout the second half of the month. In the next over, Chameera got his fourth wicket by dismissing Southee (4) with a short ball that was caught at fine leg.

A Seddon Park pitch so green it was barely distinguishable from the outfield had dominated the buildup to the second test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka with many fearing the batsmen would suffer most on the volatile surface. The Australian opener played 96 Tests in his career of nine years scoring 5570 runs at an average of 47.60.

Three overs later, Chandimal on 47 was caught behind off Doug Bracewell.

Skipper Brendon McCullum made just 18, leaving Mitchell Santner and BJ Watling to lead the recovery. Wagner began his short-ball attack with a leg gully, backward short leg and a long leg. Mathews and Siriwardana pulled when they could, middling some balls, top-edging others over the keeper for six.

New Zealand left-arm seamer Neil Wagner called the day “bizarre” while Sri Lanka bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake was not happy his side did not bat safely as instructed.

On a bowler-friendly wicket such as this, a significant first-innings lead is invaluable, and thus Sri Lanka are clearly in the box seat.