4 Jan 2015

Bowlers give Black Caps the upper hand

6:13 pm on 4 January 2015

The New Zealand bowlers have given the Black Caps the upper hand at stumps on the opening day of the second cricket test against Sri Lanka in Wellington.

New Zealand were bowled out for 221, then reduced Sri Lanka to 78 for five at the end of the first day of the final Test at the Basin Reserve.

The returning pace bowler Doug Bracewell removed Prasanna Jayawardene for six in the final act of the day, his third wicket after also claiming Kaushal Silva for five and Lahiru Thirimanne, caught for a duck.

Trent Boult began the fightback by claiming the wicket of Dimuth Karuanaratne, caught for 16.

Tim Southee also had Angelo Mathews caught for 15.

Tim Southee in action

Tim Southee in action Photo: Photosport

Brendon McCullum was unable to repeat his triple century heroics at the Basin on the first day.

McCullum, who scored the country's first triple century last time out at the Basin, against India, and had just been presented with the key to the city of Welllington during the lunchbreak, was out for a duck.

Brendon McCullum is presented the Keys to the City by Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

Brendon McCullum is presented the Keys to the City by Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The tourists made big inroads after lunch, taking five wickets for 99 including McCullum, to have the hosts 192 for seven at tea.

And while Bracewell and Boult ensured the tail wagged somewhat, the Black Caps were all out just over half an hour later.

A good crowd at the Basin Reserve

A good crowd at the Basin Reserve Photo: Photosport

Sri Lanka won the toss and sent the hosts in to bat. Both openers fell before lunch, when New Zealand were two for 93, with Tom Latham only making six and Hamish Rutherford 37.

Hamish Rutherford walks off after his dismissal at the Basin

Hamish Rutherford walks off after his dismissal at the Basin Photo: Photosport

Seamer Bracewell replaced Neil Wagner in the only change to the playing XI.

The Black Caps lead the series 1-0.

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