Daniel Flynn is preparing for his role on New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka by watching old videos of Stephen Fleming and Mark Richardson's successful stint on the sub-continent in 2003.

Flynn, who faces the prospect of facing spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath in the two Tests in Galle and Colombo, hopes his homework will pay dividends.

"I've seen a bit of Fleming and Richardson but seeing it on television compared to being out there facing it is a completely different story," said the 24-year-old batsman.

"Obviously you've got to try to read these guys from the hand but as a back-up watch it off the wicket.

"You don't want to be stuck down one end facing two overs of them because they've got so many variations that it gives them the opportunity to try them. Getting off strike is crucial."

Flynn has played 11 Test and 16 ODIs for the Kiwis but has never toured Sri Lanka.