New Zealand will take the momentum from its dramatic one-run win over England into this week’s first Test towards Sri Lanka, who might attain the ICC World Test Championship remaining with a 2-0 sequence sweep.
Tim Southee’s hosts grew to become simply the fourth staff to win a Test after following on as they secured a draw within the two-match sequence towards England.
Kane Williamson, who grew to become New Zealand’s report run-scorer within the thrilling Wellington win, stated it was very 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 stated 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 on trying to put out better performances,” he added,
Sri Lanka has solely received two Tests of the 19 it has performed in New Zealand.
But skipper Dimuth Karunaratne’s aspect has additional incentive this time.
It can attain the WTC remaining towards Australia with a 2-0 sequence triumph, offered India fails to beat Australia within the remaining Test in Ahmedabad, which additionally begins Thursday.
Sri Lanka is an enhancing and extra constant aspect below Chris Silverwood, who took over as head coach in April final 12 months.
It beat Bangladesh 1-0 away and drew 1-1 at dwelling 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 stated.
“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 pressured his approach into the Test squad after scoring two centuries and a double hundred in three appearances towards the touring England Lions just a few weeks in the past.
Sri Lanka’s preparations has been disrupted by rain, with the second day of its solely warm-up match towards a New Zealand Board XI washed out on Sunday in Lincoln, simply outdoors Christchurch.
Sri Lanka may also play three one-day internationals and three Twenty20s towards New Zealand after the Tests.
SQUADS
New Zealand (from): Tim Southee (c), 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 (c), 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
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
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