New Zealand have hardly had time to process their historic series win over Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, but they will be raring to go against Sri Lanka.
The first Test of New Zealand’s home summer comes against a Sri Lanka team in complete disarray – and reeling from the loss of their best bowler.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | 15 December – 19 December | The Basin Reserve, Wellington
To Win Match
New Zealand 3/10
Draw 5/1
Sri Lanka 6/1
New Zealand
New Zealand achieved a remarkable feat in winning the series against Pakistan with a gutsy display, but they will be expected to dominate Sri Lanka at home.
A settled Black Caps line-up welcome just one uncapped player into the first Test squad, with batsman Will Young in line for a possible debut at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
It will be difficult for New Zealand to leave out one of their spinners after a great tour in the UAE, but they may opt to field neither Ajaz Patel nor Ish Sodhi if the wicket looks tasty enough for the quick bowlers. New Zealand have four pacemen in the squad and could play all of them, but will likely opt for Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, with Matt Henry in reserve.
Henry Nicholls’ coming-of-age ton in the third Test against Pakistan, coupled with solid form from Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham gives New Zealand’s batting an almost imperious look to it.
Sri Lanka
Mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya has been suspended from bowling in all forms of international cricket, which deals a massive blow to a Sri Lanka team who suffered a humiliating whitewash at home to England in their last Test series.
Suranga Lakmal’s performance with the ball will be key to Sri Lanka’s hopes in the seamers paradise of New Zealand.
As far as the batsmen go, Sri Lanka have relied heavily on the steel of Dimuth Karunaratne, but need skipper Dinesh Chandimal and the veteran Angelo Mathews to contribute to the cause if they are to compete in the land of the long, white cloud.
Sri Lanka have a reasonably experienced team, but the constant chopping and changing of the Test XI has meant that most of the squad are unsure of their places in the team.
Verdict: New Zealand 3/10
Sri Lanka have no business being competitive in New Zealand. The Black Caps will have to go off the boil completely in order for the tourists to have a shot.
