BLACKCAPS Hosting Sri Lanka - First Test. Dunedin. Day Four.
On ya Tommy, plenty more of those mate.
A few days ago I said how the responsibility to chase victory in the first Test between the BLACKCAPS and Sri Lanka rested on the shoulders of Brendon McCullum. In true McCullum fashion he declared with over a day and a half to play, giving Sri Lanka a target of 405 runs to get and more importantly plenty of time for the kiwis to take 10 wickets.
Playing a supporting cast role to Tom Latham's century, the three nibblers and then the lovely sight of Neil Wagner charging in offering plenty of aggression was the weather. This would have undoubtedly have influenced B-Mac's decision to declare, plus it's testament to B-Mac's local weather knowledge.
Latham was the star of the day however as he finally got the rewards of his early-innings hard work, knocking his third Test century. With both openers hitting needed centuries, it was Latham's which provided me with the most joy as Latham should be a long-term Test opener; it's clear as he's got the technique, composure and skill required. The first of many yeah Tommy?
I was left with two thoughts from today's bowling effort from The Stable with the first being how nice it is to see them bowling as a unit. As Tim Southee caught the outside edge of Kusal Mendis' bat this afternoon, he waited for the arrival of Doug Bracewell into the post-wicket huddle, embracing Bracewell as if to tell him that this wicket was as much his as it was Southee's. Bracewell and Southee were tight all day, the pick of the bunch.
The other thought was how awesome it is to have Neil Wagner in the team. Wagner's presence at the moment depends of Mitchell Santner's ability as the no.1 spinner but he showcased his grit, heart and determination in a hostile spell.
Tomorrow, on day five the kiwis need 7 wickets to win the first Test which is do-able ... so is scoring 296 for Sri Lanka. If the rain stays away and Sri Lanka's not out batsmen Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews can work their way to lunch then the BLACKCAPS will find themselves in one heck of a Test; how they respond will be interesting.
You've gotta back Southee, Boult, Bracewell, Wagner and Santner from a kiwi perspective though. Five bowlers, all carrying some form into the final day, I don't see why not.