*Official* Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2018/19

[straw man]

De Grandhomme with a nice slow-mo wobbler of a wicket

 

[Moss]

Been a great day overall for Southee. Need a couple of the others to start turning up now.

 

[straw man]

I still think this will be really good for batting most of tomorrow, so tomorrow morning will decide a lot imo. Sri Lanka have two good batting pairs left, if they survive the first half hour tomorrow they're on track for a 100+ lead.

However if NZ get two quick wickets and then work through the tail so there's no lead, then I think NZ will score big in the second innings.

 

[Flem274*]

it's good the game has advanced as much as it has because i think this will turn into a motorway soon

 

[Bahnz]

Will depend on the weather. If it stays cool and cloudy this will be tough to bat on throughout.

 

[Maximas]

Decent day for both sides, pretty even given that there's a good chance that the pitch will improve quickly over the next day - SL are in a bit of an awkward position - needing to occupy the crease to gain a lead (which they're quite capable of doing, should Matthews hang around for a while), yet also probably wanting to bowl at NZ again with the pitch still offering something, could be a pitch where a big 4th innings chase becomes possible.

Thought Charmander looked a bit underdone today when I saw him in the middle session, pretty adventurous selection - would have gone for the more experienced Pradeep or simply given Rajitha another go had it been my decision, but if there's any bounce or pace by late day 2 or through day 3 he will prove difficult if he can get it right. Kumara looks to be a good find, hits the pitch hard at pace and extracts movement, forms a great combination with the pressure building Lakmal (who showed his value today).

Overall looks like the fielding has improved a fair bit over the last 12 months, fast bowlers especially were known to be absolute donkeys but this tour has seen some solid slip catching and athletic/skillful work by some of the bigger guys out in the deep, good signs.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Not a bad day for Southee that, much needed too. I bailed out at lunch so will enjoy it tonight, fascinating game this one.

 

[straw man]

Boult breaks the seal, needed that. One more in the next 30 runs please.

 

[Grasshopper]

Boult picks up his first wicket of the test. Foot on the throat time, boys.

 

[straw man]

Tim Southee benefit match. Fantastic catch.

And like Sri Lanka's great catch to get rid of Southee yesterday, that's a huge shift in the balance of the game.

 

[straw man]

quite likely this is too high imo

edit: more likely I'm wrong though

 

[Grasshopper]

They're dropping like flies!

 

[fredfertang]

Well that was an interesting one for the first over I've watched in the series

 

[straw man]

Boult's all like yeah couldn't buy a wicket for the last three matches despite bowling pretty well, I deserve that.

 

[Grasshopper]

A triple wicket maiden's not a bad way for Boult to break his drought.

edit: oops, in all the excitement I forgot about his first wicket of the day.

 

[Grasshopper]

Boult now has his Michelle. Blink and you missed it!

 

[Athlai]

That was outright hilarious

 

[Grasshopper]

Carnage. Boult picks up 6 for 30 and the last 6 SL wickets have fallen for 16 runs.

 

[bill8164]

That was outright hilarious

I have to say that was one of the worst shots I have ever seen by a so-called professional cricket player, even if it was a no. 11.

 

[morgieb]

6/4 off 15 balls. Wow. One of the ATG spells. Basically has probably single-handedly won them the match.