By BV Swagath
An unbeaten partnership between Kane Williamson and Skipper Ross Taylor has placed New Zealand in an impressive position of 223 for 2 in the opening day’s play of the second and final Test at the P Sara Oval in Colombo. A little over nine overs were lost in the play because of rain.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Kiwis lost its openers to Nuwan Kulasekara and Shaminda Eranga inside four overs. The pair of Williamson and Taylor got together and defied the Lankan bowling attack from the 4th over till the rain arrived in the final session to end the day’s play.
The 28-year-old Ross Taylor showed admirable patience batting out 241 balls for his 119* while scoring 10 fours in what is his 8th Test century. Young Williamson has got to 95* in 229 balls with 8 fours in the unbroken stand of 209 for the third wicket.
For the hosts, Tillakaratne Dilshan returned to the side after recovering from a back injury. He came in for Karunaratne. For the Kiwis, leg spinning all-rounder Todd Astle has been handed over a Test Debut.