Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2018

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka have named a 17-man squad for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand, with Dinesh Chandimal back at the helm after an injury layoff.

Sri Lanka were recently swept 3-0 by England at home, and Chandimal, the regular Test captain, missed the second and third Tests of the series after sustaining a groin injury in the first game.

Dimuth Karunaratne, the opening batsman, will serve as Chandimal’s deputy for the series of two Tests – in Wellington from 15 December and in Christchurch from 26 December – which will be followed by three one-day internationals and one Twenty20 International.

Looking at the pace-friendly conditions likely to be on offer, Sri Lanka have also brought back fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara, as well as top-order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne and wicket-keeper batsman Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (c), Dimuth Karunaratne (vc), Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/924717

 

[Zeeraq]

New Zealand will win the series easily.

 

[Abdullah Rabbani]

Very tough for Sri Lanka to win one match, hope he do better

 

[Hasan123]

New Zealand should win the tests and ODIs. Hope Sri Lanka can at least compete in the series.

 

[MenInG]

Black Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who has been away from cricketing action since sustaining a knee injury in March, has been cleared to play cricket after undergoing surgery.

The 26-year-old was on fire before the nine-month layoff, dishing out impressive returns with the bat and ball against Australia and England earlier this year. In nine limited-overs fixtures against the two oppositions, Santner amassed 217 runs in five batting innings and claimed six scalps with his left-arm orthodox spin.

However, after a series of scans revealed a bone defect in his right knee, Santner had to take time off the sport to undergo surgery.

"He's been bowling and batting and progressing really well with his knee, so club cricket's the next step for him," New Zealand's high-performance manager, Bryan Stronach, said. "We'll assess to see how he's going after that, whether he carries on playing club cricket, or we progress towards the other stuff.

"One thing we try to do with these guys is not get too ahead of ourselves. If you set too many goals in stone and it doesn't work, then the disappointment is huge, whereas if you take each milestone as it comes, we can deal with that."

The Black Caps are currently in the UAE, where they are locking horns with Pakistan in an intriguing Test series. From there, Kane Williamson and his team return home to host Sri Lanka, who will visit to play two Tests, three one-day internationals and a T20 international.

If all goes well, Santner could return to the national squad for the ODI series, which begins on 3 January.

"The Sri Lankan stuff could be on the table if all goes well, but I think for him it's, 'let's get through club cricket and then we'll reassess from there'", added Stronach.

"He had a good winter of T20 over in England. Although he didn't bowl in too many games for his side, he was actually doing quite a bit of bowling at training, and we're looking to build him back up through one-day cricket, because to be in contention for the World Cup, he's a bowler for that side, and the ideal balance of the team would have him bowling as well."

Santner was scheduled to play club cricket on Saturday, 1 December, but the weather conditions in Hamilton have not been suitable for action.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/925440

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I'll be very surprised if Sri Lanka win even a single match on this tour besides a T20. They have a very tough few months ahead with tours of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

 

[MenInG]

NZC Media Release : Mathews starts tour with ton

Angelo Mathews was the main beneficiary on the opening day of Sri Lanka’s three-day match against a New Zealand XI at McLean Park, Napier.

The former Sri Lankan captain struck an unbeaten 128 off 177 balls to announce his readiness for the first Test against the BLACKCAPS, starting on Saturday at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.

Elsewhere, however, the Sri Lankan batting line-up struggled on a day in which bowl dominated bat – the tourists totalling 210 for nine declared in their first innings, courtesy of an unbroken 10th wicket partnership of 106 between Mathews and Lahiru Kumara – and the NZ XI going to stumps at 67 for four.

Mathews brought up his 50 off 96 balls and his century off 150, striking 16 fours and a six along the way.

But only two of his team-mates managed to eclipse double-figures: skipper Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed for 26 after driving aerially at Liam Dudding, and Dhananjaya de Silva was chipped a Peter

Younghusband leg-spinner to mid-on after reaching 14.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Blake Coburn, who snared three for 44,; Younghusband, with two for 25, and Michael Snedden (two for 29) were the most successful of the NZ XI bowlers.

In response, the NZ XI found the going no easier, losing Dean Robinson when the total was four; Luke Georgeson and William O’Donnell at 35, respectively, and Dale Phillips shortly before stumps.

At the wicket at the close were Sandeep Patel on 14, with Snedden unbeaten on 0.

 

[cricketindiafan]

Wow! NZ will play a test 6 days after their UAE tour finished.

 

[shaaik]

New Zealand all the way. May also become the number 2 ranked team in Tests in the process.

 

[Mainul]

SRL's confidence must be low after 3-0 whitewash at home. At the other hand NZ's will be high .They just beat Pakistan at their home venue. NZ should whitewash SRL easily.

 

[Stalin]

So a series between a team who just beat a formidable SC team in the SC and a team who lost to a non SC team at home (SC) at the former's home. Noice

 

[MenInG]

Sri Lanka set platform for final day

A fascinating finish is in prospect for Sri Lanka in their three-day tour fixture against a New Zealand XI at Napier's McLean Park.

At stumps on the second day, Sri Lanka were 160 for two, holding an overall lead of 100.
The NZ XI had a decent day's work.

Resuming at 67 for four, replying to Sri Lanka's first innings 210 for nine, a solid partnership between Sandeep Patel and Michael Snedden of 62 for the fifth wicket put some substance into the innings.

Patel and Katene Clarke then put on a further 54 for the sixth wicket and to cap it off an unbroken ninth-wicket stand between captain Peter Younghusband and Max Chu of 48 enabled the inexperienced NZ XI to declare at 270 for nine, a 60-run lead over the international tourists.

Patel top scored with 69 while there were unbeaten thirties for Younghusband and wicketkeeper Chu.
Sri Lanka worked their way through eight bowlers during their 82 overs in the field.

The wickets were shared around and Sri Lanka, preparing for the first test against the Black Caps in Wellington starting on Saturday, would have got value out of the workout as they look to settle on their test attack.

Sri Lanka's first four batsmen are all test players and lefthanded opening pair Dhanuska Gunathilaka and Lahiru Thirimanne shared a 116-run partnership in 21.2 overs.

They smartly wiped out the deficit, then laid a platform for Sri Lanka to press on and set a final-day target.

Gunathilaka struck 83 off 77 balls before being caught at long on off legspinner Younghusband, while Thirimanne was caught behind for 45.

The unbeaten pair, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, share nine test centuries between them.

Add in the prospect of first innings centurymaker Angelo Mathews to follow, and there should be some entertaining target-setting batting through the first half of the final day.

 

[giri26]

Ajaz Patel retained, Will Young handed first Test call-up by New Zealand

Central Stags spinner Ajaz Patel is in line to play his first match for the BLACKCAPS on home soil after being included in the squad to face Sri Lanka in two Tests, starting at the Basin Reserve on Saturday.

Patel is the specialist spinner in the 13 player squad, with Will Somerville and Ish Sodhi released to play in the fourth round of the Plunket Shield along with Wellington Firebirds wicket-keeper Tom Blundell, who also drops out from the victorious UAE touring party.

Stags batsman Will Young has earned his maiden call-up to the BLACKCAPS as the batting cover, following strong form on the domestic scene and for New Zealand A.

Selector Gavin Larsen said the squad were looking forward to starting the home summer in Wellington.

“There’s a real swell of support for the Test team following their efforts in the UAE, so we’re hoping to transition that momentum into a big home summer,” he said.

“Ajaz certainly grabbed his opportunity on the UAE tour and he’s a proven performer in New Zealand conditions.

“Will Somerville was an obvious stand-out on debut in the Abu Dhabi decider and it’s great to know we’ve got quality spin bowlers who can create competition for places.

“It’s an exciting time for Will Young who has been pushing for higher honours for a while now. He scored hundreds against Pakistan A and India A in recent months and fully deserves his call-up.

“The first international of the home summer is always an exciting time and the revamped Basin Reserve should be a fitting setting to launch the Sri Lankan tour.”

BLACKCAPS Test Squad

Kane Williamson (c)
Trent Boult
Colin de Grandhomme
Matt Henry
Tom Latham
Henry Nicholls
Ajaz Patel
Jeet Raval
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor
Neil Wagner
BJ Watling
Will Young

 

[MenInG]

NZC Release NZ XI hold Sri Lanka to draw

The young New Zealand XI came away with a highly creditable draw, and even had the sneaking chance for an improbable victory, in their three-day fixture against Sri Lanka at Napier's McLean Park.

The NZ XI were left to chase 262 in around 45 overs, for what would have been an immensely satisfying win over a side preparing for the start of their two-Test series against the BLACKCAPS in Wellington on Saturday.

They had established a 60-run first innings lead and then scored at around five an over until stumps were pulled at 139 for two off 28.3 overs.

Áuckland pair Will O'Donnell and Dale Phillips had shared an unbroken 95-run stand, off 16.5 overs.

The NZ XI lost two wickets in the space of 15 balls before O'Donnell and Phillips cashed in against a Sri Lankan attack working themselves up for the Test series. O'Donnell finished on 52 off 57 balls, while Phillips was on 39 at the end.

Sri Lanka had started the final day at 160 for two and declared at 321 for five off 80 overs.

Test batsman Kusal Mendis, who has scored five Test hundreds, took his overnight 11 to 72 before retiring out. Niroshan

Dickwella, who has played 25 Tests, made an unbeaten 43.

There were two wickets apiece for spinners Blake Coburn, the Canterbury left armer, and Wellington legspinner Peter Younghusband.

For the young NZ XI, there was much to take out of the match, including the experience of facing established Test players such as Mendis and top class allrounder Angelo Mathews, who scored an impressive century in Sri Lanka's first innings.

There was also the chance to show their credentials to the selectors with an eye to the future.

Sri Lanka now head to Wellington to prepare for the series opener at the Basin Reserve.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Sri Lanka should give a chance to young players.

 

[giri26]

'Nice to be back in conditions we're used to' – Tim Southee

New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is happy to be back in familiar environs after a long tour of the United Arab Emirates, where New Zealand registered a historic Test series win over Pakistan.

Southee, who has 224 Test wickets from 61 Tests, is likely to start for New Zealand in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington and may well be reunited with both Trent Boult and Neil Wagner – the trio didn't feature together in the playing XI in any of the Tests in the UAE.

"It's nice to be back in conditions we're used to," Southee told reporters. "We've come from a place that wasn't easy for pace bowlers, so there was a bit of a spring in the step of the fast bowlers anyway.

"It's [the 2-1 series win against Pakistan] something the group is very proud of. A lot of good sides have gone to the UAE and haven't been able to trip Pakistan up. We know we can't let that overhang into our home summer and start afresh in different conditions."

However, seamer-friendly conditions haven't kept batsmen from scoring runs in New Zealand, as evidenced by Shakib Al Hasan's double century two seasons ago. And so, while the surface has a decent covering of grass, Southee isn't the one to draw any conclusions.

"It's nice to see some grass on the wicket but I remember a couple of years ago Bangladesh ended up scoring 500-and-something in the first innings," Southee recalled.

"It's also a strength of this side not to get carried away with conditions. We don't know what it's going to play like until we get out there. You can get in and it can be a batting paradise as well."

The first Test against Sri Lanka begins on 15 December in Wellington and will be followed by the Boxing Day Test in Christchurch.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/942182

 

[MenInG]

Lasith Malinga has been appointed captain of Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20I sides for the the tour of New Zealand, with Niroshan Dickwella set to serve as vice-captain.

Angelo Mathews also returns to both squads after being dropped against England for fitness issues.

Malinga’s appointment comes after Dinesh Chandimal served as ODI skipper in the 3-1 loss to England, while Thisara Perera took the reigns as T20 captain. Chandimal’s appointment came on the back of Mathews’ dismissal from the captaincy. Chandimal and Perera remain in both sides but without any leadership credentials to their name.

Dinesh Chandimal (left) and Thisara Perera (right) remain in both squads Dinesh Chandimal (left) and Thisara Perera (right) remain in both squads
With the leadership baton being passed over to the veteran fast-bowler, it represents a quick ascension for Malinga, who only made his return to international cricket in September, after a year of issues with his fitness. Nevertheless, he has impressed in his comeback, and took 5/44 against England in Dambulla.

Leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna is a notable inclusion in the 17-man squad, with Sri Lanka having to find a suitable replacement for Akila Dananjaya, who has been suspended for an illegal bowling action. Dananjaya is Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket this year, with 28 wickets from 16 matches.

The three-match ODI series is set to begin on 3 January, followed by a one-off T20I on 11 January.

ODI and T20I squad: Lasith Malinga (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Angelo Mathews, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/942322

 

[giri26]

Guptill, Bracewell and Neesham return to ODI squad; Seifert set to debut

The BLACKCAPS have named a 13-man squad for three One Day Internationals against Sri Lanka, starting at Mount Maunganui on January 3.

All-rounders Doug Bracewell and Jimmy Neesham have earned recalls to the national set-up, while opener Martin Guptill returns from the calf injury that ruled him out of the tour to the UAE.

With the selectors endeavouring to give opportunities to a wider group of players, incumbent one-day wicket-keeper Tom Latham will miss the series, while Colin de Grandhomme has been rested following an extensive workload over the past 12 months.

Latham’s absence behind the stumps paves the way for 24-year-old Northern Districts wicket-keeper-batsman Tim Seifert’s ODI debut.

“With the World Cup now on our radar there is a need to look at different players over the home summer,” said selector Gavin Larsen.

"We want to win the one-day series against Sri Lanka, and we want to gain as much new information as possible while doing so.

“Doug and Jimmy have performed well on the domestic scene and showed during the recent New Zealand A series against India A that they’re ready for international cricket.

“Tim’s also been rewarded for his strong New Zealand A form and we’ve been impressed by the development of his all-round game.

“Colin’s played almost non-stop over the past year so will take a well-earned rest as we continue to monitor the workloads of those who play all three formats.

“It’s great to have Martin back after injury and he’ll obviously add all his class and experience to the side.”

Knights spinner Mitchell Santner’s return from knee surgery is tracking well and Larsen believed he would be back in the BLACKCAPS selection reckoning in the New Year.

“Mitchell made a promising return in the Burger King Super Smash over the weekend and we’ll continue to monitor his progress closely.”

BLACKCAPS ODI squad

Kane Williamson (c)
Trent Boult
Doug Bracewell
Lockie Ferguson
Martin Guptill
Matt Henry
Colin Munro
Jimmy Neesham
Henry Nicholls
Tim Seifert (wk)
Ish Sodhi
Tim Southee
Ross Taylor

Not considered due to injury or illness: Adam Milne, Corey Anderson, Todd Astle.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Fantastic hundred by Kusal Perera in the first ODI

 

[giri26]

Tim Southee to captain in one-off T20I, Santner returns

NZC Media Release : Southee to captain T20 side | Santner returns from knee injury

Tim Southee will captain the BLACKCAPS T20 side in next Friday’s one-off match against Sri Lanka, at Eden Park in Auckland.


With regular skipper Kane Williamson resting, Southee will lead the T20 team for the third time in his career.

He’ll have the services of spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner to call on, as the 26-year-old returns to the international fold following knee surgery in March.

BLACKCAPS Selector Gavin Larsen said it was an exciting stage of the season with so much white-ball cricket in store.

“A T20 International at Eden Park on a Friday night is always a big occasion and one the players will relish,” said Larsen.

“Tim did a really good job leading the side against Pakistan and the West Indies last season and he’s got a nice mix of proven performers and some fresh faces to work with.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mitchell back into the BLACKCAPS environment and he’s shown in his performances for the Knights in the BK Super Smash that he’s ready for international cricket again.”

BLACKCAPS T20 squad v Sri Lanka

Tim Southee (c) - Knights

Lockie Ferguson - Auckland Aces

Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces

Scott Kuggeleijn – Knights

Colin Munro - Auckland Aces

Jimmy Neesham - Wellington Firebirds

Henry Nicholls - Canterbury Kings

Glenn Phillips - Auckland Aces

Seth Rance - Central Stags

Mitchell Santner - Knights

Tim Seifert (wk) - Knights

Ish Sodhi - Knights

Ross Taylor - Central Stags



In-form Canterbury left-hander Henry Nicholls returns to the T20 team, after making his debut in the 2016 ICC World T20 in India.

With Trent Boult taking a well-earned break, pace-bowler Scott Kuggeleijn has received his maiden T20 call-up, while all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been selected with Colin de Grandhomme resting.

“It’s nice to have the luxury of freshening-up a few of our key guys following a long tour of the UAE and a fast transition into the home summer,” said Larsen.

“That presents a great opportunity for the likes of Henry, Scott and Jimmy - who have all been performing strongly for their respective teams recently and deserve their chances should they come.”

The Auckland Aces opening pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill will team up at the top of the order, while Tim Seifert will continue as the short-form wicket-keeper.

Adam Milne and Corey Anderson weren’t considered for selection as they continue to get back to full fitness, while Todd Astle’s rehabilitation is progressing well and he will likely return for the Canterbury Kings in the near future.

Craig McMillan will coach the side for the one-off match as Gary Stead takes a short break before the India series later this month.

 

[Abdullah719]

Neesham ruled out of T20 with hamstring injury | Doug Bracewell called in

BLACKCAPS all-rounder Jimmy Neesham will miss Friday night’s T20 against Sri Lanka at Eden Park with a grade-one hamstring strain suffered in today’s third ODI in Nelson.

Physio Vijay Vallabh said Neesham would be unable to recover in time for the one-off match and would instead return home to rest.

“Jimmy felt some tightness in his right hamstring during the bowling innings and left the field for treatment,” said Vallabh.

“He’s iced and compressed the injury and will be reassessed in a couple of days.”

Central Stags all-rounder Doug Bracewell, who has been with the ODI squad, will travel to Auckland with the T20 squad tomorrow morning.

BLACKCAPS T20 squad v Sri Lanka
Tim Southee (c) - Knights
Doug Bracewell – Central Stags
Lockie Ferguson - Auckland Aces
Martin Guptill - Auckland Aces
Scott Kuggeleijn – Knights
Colin Munro - Auckland Aces
Henry Nicholls - Canterbury Kings
Glenn Phillips - Auckland Aces
Seth Rance - Central Stags
Mitchell Santner - Knights
Tim Seifert (wk) - Knights
Ish Sodhi - Knights
Ross Taylor - Central Stags