New Zealand seek to continue success in Wellington

Wednesday, 31 December 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

WELLINGTON (Reuters): New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first test of their two-match series has given them an opportunity to start next year as they did this, with a series triumph over a higher-ranked opponent. Brendon McCullum’s side are seventh in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rankings, two places below Sri Lanka, though are playing at a standard that belies that position. They have played nine tests in 2014 and won five of them, a national record for test victories in a year, lost two and drawn two. They are also unbeaten in six successive series at home and away since they were hammered 2-0 in England in May, 2013. While McCullum has garnered the headlines with two double centuries, New Zealand’s first test triple century and a 134-ball innings of 195 at Hagley Oval that changed the complexion of the game, the team has become settled and balanced. Bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult have blossomed into one of the best new ball combinations in the world with both now ranked inside the top-10, while batsman Kane Williamson has come of age in the past 12 months. Williamson has scored 929 runs in 2014 with four centuries and coupled with Ross Taylor’s continued maturation and development, the heart of the batting lineup has no concerns going forward. Finding a settled opening partnership continues to be an issue, though opener Hamish Rutherford will play the second test in Wellington this week. New Zealand’s only change has been to bring Corey Anderson back into the match-day 13 for Dean Brownlie. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said he had seen enough in the team’s seconds innings batting, when Dimuth Karunaratne scored a maiden test century, and in their bowling to have hope at the Basin Reserve. “We showed a lot of fight and a lot of character in the second innings,” Mathews said. “I thought the bowlers bowled pretty well. We got the lines and lengths right. That’s a positive we can take to Wellington. Mathews said he hoped left-arm spinner Rangana Herath would be available for the second test, though he doubted there would be many changes to his side. “We will give it some thought over the next few days,” he added. “We have the batters and have the bowlers. “There won’t be too many changes. It was just one game that we lost. We have been playing pretty good cricket.”

Sri Lanka fly in strike weapon

Sri Lanka’s strike weapon Rangana Herath is making his way to New Zealand and his team are clinging to hope he will be fit for the second Test in Wellington. Herath’s left-arm spin was sorely missed in the tourists’ eight-wicket loss to the Black Caps in Christchurch.

The 36-year-old remained in Sri Lanka to have a hamstring injury treated and his clearance to fly suggests he could be ready to line up against a New Zealand side he has thrived against. Of his 260 Test wickets, 31 have come against the Black Caps at less than 20 runs apiece. The world’s leading wicket-taker in 2014 with 60, his importance to Sri Lanka is underlined by the 610 overs he has bowled. The next busiest bowler this year has been Australian spinner Nathan Lyon with 393. Captain Angelo Mathews says Herath’s availability would give his team confidence ahead of the Test starting on Saturday. “He’s been here before and I’m sure he’ll help us to get 20 wickets. “Even though the conditions won’t suit much, he knows how to bowl on these tracks.” It would be a surprise if Sri Lanka don’t consider other changes. Proven middle order batsman Dinesh Chandimal and spinner Dilruwan Perera could return after both were omitted in Christchurch. Batsman Niroshan Dickwella and, to a lesser extent, 21-year-old debut offspinner Tharindu Kaushal struggled in their place. A case could also be made for 22-year-old paceman Dushmantha Chameera to make his debut, adding speed to a Sri Lankan seam attack lacking variety. Mathews praised the 152 from opener Dimuth Karunaratne in their commendable second innings rearguard and hopes the other top-order batsmen follow his disciplined approach.