New Zealand batters bludgeon Sri Lanka attack then strike crucial blows – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls feasted on Sri Lanka’s mediocre bowling attack blasting scintillating double centuries as the Kiwis took control of the second Test.
Together with Henry Nicholls, Williamson led the the Kiwis on a leather hunt as the slow green tinged surface in Wellington gave no assistance to the Sri Lanka attack as runs flowed freely and in abundance.
New Zealand amassed 580 for 4 in quick time before Skipper Tim Southee invited Sri Lanka to bat 21 overs left on day two in a endeavour to gain an early advantage.
They managed to do just that as Sri Lanka’s batting struggled to 26 for two in 14 overs before bad light stopped play. Sri Lanka’s reply appeared to suggest that what was an easy paced batters’s paradise was transformed into a minefield as the struggled to cope with the New Zealand attack.
Williamson struck a brilliant 215 and Nicolls 200 not out encountering little or no terrors from an innocuous Sri Lanka bowling attack that looked incapable of causing serious damage.
Adding to their woes the Sri Lanka fielding deteriorated to less than average causing further consternation to Skipper Karunaratne and the bowlers.
With their backs against the wall, the hapless Sri Lankans look under intense pressure to avoid humiliation after a first Test epic which the Kiwis snatched on the last ball on day five.
If the wicket proves to be as unresponsive in Sri Lanka’s reply, the rain restricted game could well end in a draw. But New Zealand’s bowlers will have the advantage of a drying pitch and enough local knowledge to prise out the Sri Lankan batters.
Much will depend on Sri Lanka’s experienced batters to try and save the Test in the remaining three days.
Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya De Silva carry the burden of salvaging Sri Lankan pride. Opener Oshada Fernando failed again falling early to Matt Henry as his struggles continue in similar vein to his last two innings.
What will be crucial to Sri Lanka will be that their batting will be as good as the first Test if not better if the are to compete in the next three days. Early indications appear to suggest that they will not find it easy against a more competent and incisive New Zealand attack led by Skipper Southee, Matt Henry and Tickner.
Karunaratne and Fernando were given a torrid time in the initial stages barely surviving an opening spell that seemed to suggest two different teams and capabilities.
Day three will reveal Sri Lanka’s potential and how they nearly made the final of the Test Championship.
