26 Nov 2012

NZ dominate first day of second test in Colombo

6:35 am on 26 November 2012

The captain Ross Taylor completed a solid century to lead the New Zealand cricketers to one of their best test days of the year on the opening day of their second test against Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps recovered from the loss of both openers Martin Guptil and Brendon McCullum for only 14 runs, but Taylor ended the day on 119 and Kane Williamson was 95 not out in a total of 223 for 2.

Taylor completed his eighth Test hundred, and his first against Sri Lanka, in the last session, but Williamson was denied his third test century when rain ended the day with nine overs remaining.

It was a good toss for New Zealand to win, and they made the most of a good batting pitch.

The included debutant leg-spinner Todd Astle in the 11 in place of the all-rounder James Franklin.