New Zealand’s 2014 was uncharacteristically positive. Sri Lanka’s was decent too. Now, in a World Cup year the focus is less on the five day format and more on the one day international showpiece starting in February. That shouldn’t stop the teams from taking the second test at the Basin Reserve seriously though. Sri Lanka need a win to continue their solid overseas record of late and draw the series, while New Zealand will look to continue their momentum after the first up win in Christchurch.
Whatever the motivation for this match up, it’s likely to be played on a very green wicket, with early indications suggesting this pitch will do plenty early on.
The Last Time These Two Met
New Zealand’s first up win confirmed their rise to genuine world beaters. A blistering 2014, which saw them record 5 test wins, has set the tone for their immediate future and for their World Cup chances. The Black Caps dominated throughout the Christchurch first test; Brendon McCullum wrestling away the early initiative and despite some second innings stoic resistance from Sri Lanka, Trent Boult and Tim Southee finished it off.
The Teams
New Zealand (likely): 1 Tom Latham, 2 Hamish Rutherford, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Brendon McCullum (capt), 6 James Neesham, 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Mark Craig, 9 Neil Wagner, 10 Tim Southee/Doug Bracewell, 11 Trent Boult
Tim Southee is under an injury cloud after suffering a minor ankle problem in training. Doug Bracewell is on standby and didn’t play the latest round of domestic cricket in NZ in what could be a strong indiction he will play. Corey Anderson is fit again but won’t push out Nessham after his crucial runs and wickets in game one.
Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Kaushal Silva, 3 Kumar Sangakkara, 4 Lahiru Thirimanne, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Dinesh Chandimal, 7 Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), 8 Rangana Herath/Tharindu Kaushal, 9 Dhammika Prasad/Nuwan Pradeep, 10 Shaminda Eranga, 11 Suranga Lakmal
Sri Lanka could make any number of changes to their side. Heath could be fit and will walk into the side as the third best test bowler in the World. Danish Chandimal may play instead of Niroshan Dickwella, and lastly, Dhammika Prasad’s place may be under threat from Nuwan Pradeep.
The Key Players
Mark Craig – Easily the most improved member of the Black Caps side. Craig may be a late bloomer but he’s certainly making a great impression in his first season of international cricket. He’s averaging 45 with the bat, is a sound slip fielder, and has already registered a five wicket bag and ten wicket bag in just seven matches. Look for him to continue to contribute at the Basin Reserve.
Dimuth Karunaratne – How good was the little left-hander in game one? Facing a stern Boult and Southee test the opener showed his fellow top order batsmen how to cope with the unfamiliar conditions by playing late and deciding in advance his best areas to score. If Sri Lanka are any chance in Wellington they need to prevent losing early wickets, something Karunaratne can help achieve.
The Odds*
New Zealand – $1.73
Draw – $5
Sri Lanka – $3.25
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Betstar.
The Prediction
The weather looks good for all five days and with the rate that modern day teams score their runs draws are few and far between these days. The $5 odds are tempting, and Sri Lanka did bat for long periods in their second innings. That said, we’re picking 10-13 wickets on day one and New Zealand to win by an innings.
Betfair:
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Paddypower:
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Betway:
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Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
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