Marshall Twins Put NZ On Top

Hamish and James Marshall have put New Zealand on top after day one of the first test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at McLean Park in Napier.

New Zealand made one change to their starting lineup with Kyle Mills replacing Iain O’Brien while Daniel Vettori was out injured giving Paul Wiseman the sole spinning berth.

Stephen Fleming made the perfect start to the day in winning the toss and chose to bat in perfect batting conditions.

The New Zealand openers Craig Cumming and James Marshall got off to a solid start until, with the score at 35, Chaminda Vaas bowled a delivery that crashed into Craig Cumming’s pads and he was on his way for 13.

Hamish Marshall then joined his twin James and together they steadied the New Zealand innings and saw the Kiwis through to lunch.

James Marshall was the next to depart following the lunch break for a well made 52 in edging a delivery from Upul Chandana to Thilan Samaraweera who took a simple catch at first slip.

Stephen Fleming was the next man in and he looked troubled throughout his innings and in what was no surprise he was bowled by Lasith Malinga for 16.

Nathan Astle then joined Hamish Marshall and together they picked up the run rate and saw New Zealand through to an excellent position on 267/3 at the close of day one with Hamish Marshall unbeaten on 133 and Nathan Astle 37 not out.

Score Summary

New Zealand 267/3 (H Marshall 133*, J Marshall 52, N Astle 37, C Vaas 1/63, L Malinga 1/37, U Chandana 1/61)