New Zealand’s captain Tim Southee (L) and Sri Lanka’s captain Dimuth Karunaratne pose with the Test Series trophy.
| Photo Credit: AFP
New Zealand will take momentum from their dramatic one-run win over England into this week’s first Test towards Sri Lanka, who may attain the ICC World Test Championship final with a 2-0 sequence sweep.
Tim Southee’s hosts turned simply the fourth staff to win a Test after following on as they secured a draw in the two-match sequence towards England.
Kane Williamson, who turned New Zealand’s document run-scorer in the thrilling Wellington win, mentioned it was important to kick on after the Black Caps ended a seven-Test winless run.
“It’s been a long time for us to get over the line,” former skipper Williamson mentioned forward of the primary Test towards Sri Lanka beginning on Thursday in Christchurch.
“We haven’t had the results we would’ve liked, despite putting the work in, so it’s nice to get those rewards.”
“It’s an important series for us now as we are looking to improve and we’re focused in trying to put out better performances.”
Sri Lanka have solely received two Tests of the 19 they’ve performed in New Zealand.
But skipper Dimuth Karunaratne’s aspect have further incentive this time.
They can attain the WTC final towards Australia with a 2-0 sequence triumph, offering India fail to beat Australia in the final Test in Ahmedabad, which additionally begins Thursday.
Sri Lanka are an bettering and extra constant aspect below Chris Silverwood, who took over as head coach in April final 12 months.
They beat Bangladesh 1-0 away and drew 1-1 at residence with each Australia and Pakistan, all in two-Test sequence, because the former England quick bowler’s appointment.
Their hopes of qualifying for the showpiece at The Oval in June have been boosted when Australia clinched their place by successful the third Test towards India in Indore inside three days final week.
“To get to the WTC final would be unbelievable,” Silverwood mentioned.
“But at the same time we know we’ve got a very good New Zealand team in front of us as well and we have to respect that, work hard, and try and earn that right.”
New Zealand retained the squad that beat England in Wellington whereas Sri Lanka introduced in two uncapped gamers, the 23-year-old batsman Nishan Madushka and seam bowler Milan Rathnayake, 26.
Madushka compelled his way into the Test squad after scoring two centuries and a double hundred in three appearances towards the touring England Lions a number of weeks in the past.
Sri Lanka’s preparations have been disrupted by rain, with the second day of their solely warm-up match towards a New Zealand Board XI washed out on Sunday in Lincoln, simply outdoors Christchurch.
Sri Lanka can even play three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s towards New Zealand after the Tests.
New Zealand (from): Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Scott Kuggeleijn, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Sri Lanka (from): Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Nishan Madushka, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake
