Vincent Double Ton on Day 3

New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Basin Reserve, Wellington
Stumps Day 3

Lou Vincent hit the highest score of his first-class and Test career, in the process ending Sri Lanka’s hopes of staying in the Second Test. His 224 propelled New Zealand to an imposing 522/9 declared, some 311 runs ahead of Sri Lanka’s first innings total.

Beginning the day already on 79, Vincent showed no haste in the morning session, adding just 14 to his tally. Chaminda Vaas gave Sri Lanka some hope with a couple of quick wickets, beginning with that of the Kiwi skipper. Stephen Fleming, who had progressed steadily from his overnight 60*, top-edged a hook shot on 88, to be caught at deep backward square. Brendon McCullum fell the very next ball, pushing tentatively to spoon a simple catch back to the bowler. Franklin was next to depart as both batsmen struggled in the early morning gloom, failing to make contact with a trademark Malinga yorker, which struck him on the toe.

The post-lunch session saw Vincent come out of his shell, with a spectacular display which netted him an incredible 131 runs in the session. A significant bulk of his runs came in boundaries – 25 fours and four sixes – particularly through the offside. With the exception of Vaas, all the bowlers struggled to contain him, as he cruised first to his hundred, then to 150. Kyle Mills provided valuable support before he fell victim to a top-edge off Malinga on 31.

Vincent’s innings should have ended on 194, when another top-edge off Malinga flew straight to Jayasuriya at fine leg. Vincent, however, watched in delight as the ball evaded Jayasuriya’s grasp, and shortly after brought up his maiden Test double-century. A few boundaries later, Vincent’s epic knock ended, Jayasuriya making amends with an accurate throw to have Vincent run out for 224. By then though, the damage was well and truly done, with Vincent alone outscoring Sri Lanka’s first innings by 13 runs.

To compound Sri Lanka’s misery, Paul Wiseman hit an unbeaten 32 to push New Zealand past 500 before the eventual declaration. Sri Lanka were sent in after Tea for a seven over spell, before bad light finally cut the day short. There was time enough however for Chris Martin to get the big wicket of Jayasuriya, fending outside off stump to put Vincent back in action again. Still 301 runs from making New Zealand bat again, and with two full days to play, weather pending, Sri Lanka’s batsmen will have to do something extraordinary to avoid defeat.

Score Summary: Stumps Day 3

SRI LANKA 211 all out from 65.1 overs
TT Samaraweera 73, UDU Chandana 41;
CS Martin 6-54, NJ Astle 3-35

NEW ZEALAND 522/9 declared from 146 overs
L Vincent 224, SP Fleming 88;
WPUJC Vaas 6-108

SRI LANKA 10/1 from 7 overs
MS Atapattu 5*, MF Maharoof 1*;
CS Martin 1-2

Sri Lanka trail New Zealand by 301 runs