Test Preview: New Zealand v Sri Lanka

Cricket365
December 19, 2015

New Zealand are firm favourites to win the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at Seddon Park in Hamilton and wrap up a two-nil series clean sweep.

The Black Caps beat the tourists convincingly, by 122 run, in the first Test at in Dunedin and have the more settled, and experienced, starting unit.

The inexperience of the Asian side's batting order was shown up at the University Oval with only wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal and, to a lesser extent, Dimuth Karunaratne making any significant contributions.

Sri Lanka could relieve Chandimal of the wicketkeeping gloves and bring in Kaushal Silva, who has previously opened the batting, at number seven to shore up the order.

The away side's bowling attack also never covered themselves in glory after they won the toss and bowled first in the first Test, allowing the Kiwis to go at almost five runs to the over on the opening day.

For New Zealand, expect there to be minimal changes if any at all with the only question whether to play a specialist spinner or keep going with a four-man pace bowling attack.

Doug Bracewell and Neil Wagner did well in Dunedin and it would be harsh to drop either one of them in favour a slow bowler like Mark Craig.

The Black Caps are likely to stick to their team which means number six batsman Mitchell Santner will provide the slow-bowling option with his left-arm spin.

Key players

Batsman Kane Williamson has moved up another step in the world player rankings, to number two, and is close to being the best player in the longest format of the game.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews needs to contribute more if the Asian side want to have a say in the Test. He is the most experienced batsman and offers a lot as the fourth seamer in the side.

Last Five Head-To-Head Results

2015 First Test: New Zealand won by 122 runs in Dunedin
2015 Second Test: New Zealand won by 193 runs in Wellington
2014/15 First Test: New Zealand won by eight wickets in Christchurch
2012 Second Test: New Zealand won by 167 runs in Colombo
2012 First Test: Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets in Galle

Squads

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (capt), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson

Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kusal Mendis, Udara Jayasundera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Milinda Siriwardana, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Dimuth Karunaratne, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Vishwa Fernando

Dates: 18 – 22 December
Morning session: 10:30-12:30 (21:30-23:30 GMT -d)
Afternoon session: 13:10-15:10 (00:10-02:10 GMT)
Evening session: 15:30-17:30 (02:30-04:30 GMT)

On-field umpires: Paul Reiffel and Nigel Llong
Third umpire: Richard Kettleborough
Match referee: David Boon