2nd Test: New Zealand v Sri Lanka at Hamilton

A good fightback from New Zealand to leave this game in the balance at the close of play, although Sri Lanka will probably be kicking themselves for losing two wickets via run out. Poor old Herath looked as though he was running in quick sand. That said, it still took a nifty throw from Kane Williamson to send him back to the pavilion.

Despite much fanfare, Dinesh Chandimal continues to excel. Though he doesn't receive the same press as some of the bigger names, he has been a very consistent performer since debuting for Sri Lanka. His average in 11 matches this year now stands at 49.83.

New Zealand are in a spot of bother and in danger of losing their first home Test match since March 2012. Sri Lanka dismissed them 237 and now have a lead of 116 with all 10 second wickets in hand. The highest ever 4th innings score here is 344 by Sri Lanka back in 1991. The highest successful run chase is 212 by Australia in 2000.

Three quick wickets right on the stroke of lunch has clawed New Zealand back into this one.

Another interesting DRS in this one. The ball looked to me as though it flicked off Jayasundera's glove and hot spot showed a mark, however, there was nothing on real time snicko. On field umpire Paul Reiffel initially gave the decision as not out and he didn't look best pleased when he was forced to overturn it.

Sri Lanka 65/3, a lead of 140.

110 - 5  : Lead of  165

30.1
Southee to Mathews, ....he gets the big wicket, Mathews has played an unnecessary shot

to the short ball and gloved it to the keeper!

Mathews c †Watling b Southee 2

123- 7 : Lead of 179

32.3
Southee to Herath, OUT, the bail has fallen, stop the press!!

Short of length on leg, Herath swiveled on the back foot to pull it but got a glove, then pad
and the ball bounced to hit the leg stump.
I must add that only one of the bails fell there, the one on the right didn't budge at all!

Herath b Southee  DUCK

31.5
Wagner to Siriwardana, OUT, it's not that short, it's not that full

Siriwardana slogs on the leg side and holes out to deep midwicket,

Siriwardana c Boult b Wagner 26

What a topsy turvy day of cricket. Sri Lanka started the day in control of this Test, skittled out New Zealand for 237, giving them with a lead of 55. They stretched that lead to 126 before losing their first wicket and then absolutely capitulated.

Sri Lanka will be extremely disappointed with they way they batted. They gave away so many cheap, easy wickets. The lack of discipline and determination was something you would expect to see out of schoolboys. This batting display won't be on any masterclass videos any time soon.

A special note of recognition for Kane Williamson, who continues his torred 2015. What a class player.

Kane does it again.

The bounce on this Hamilton pitch has been ample and true.

Batsmen were given the luxury to leave balls even on middle stump if the length was short.

They wouldn't be bowled, but no one from either side has caught onto that fact.

As a result 31 of the 35 wickets in this Test have been out caught.