The New Zealand cricketers are seeking to avoid their fourth straight test series loss of the year when they begin the first test against Sri Lanka in Galle today.
But given their struggles against the turning ball in their recent series in India, the Galle pitch is unlikely to provide them with any favours.
Sri Lanka's only lost one of their last seven tests at the venue and have included three spinners in their squad.
With Dan Vettori missing through injury the Black Caps will be relying on off spinner Jeetan Patel, who has a modest 47 wickets in 15 Tests, while legspinner Todd Astle has yet to make his Test debut.
