New Zealand’s chance to start afresh before Tests

Amid monsoon torrents, relocated matches and stomach bugs, New Zealand have so far only sunk further into their rut in Sri Lanka. The second ODI was stopped by rain just as it was building to a climax, but in the following matches, the visitors have been thoroughly outclassed.

They have not been helped by the toss, which has fallen against them in two of the three matches, forcing them to contend with a wet ball after the evening rains arrived. But given their poor record in the recent past, the team will be sick of excuses.

New Zealand’s batting has been competent at times, and their fast bowlers found decent movement in the fourth ODI in Hambantota, but they are yet to put on a complete performance in the series. New Zealand have also spoken of the soft middle order of Sri Lanka, but have not taken more than three wickets in an innings. They will hope for better luck and more consistency for their quicks if they are to put Sri Lanka’s less experienced batsmen under pressure.

Having secured the series, Sri Lanka don’t have much to gain from the final ODI apart from momentum and form ahead of the Test series. Each of Sri Lanka’s big three batsmen have been among the runs, and Test bowlers Nuwan Kulasekara and Rangana Herath have also enjoyed the series. They are likely to rotate a few of the fringe members in the squad for some game time.

The fifth ODI between the two teams will be played today at Hambantota and the first test starts on 17 November in Galle.