Southee, Boult keep NZ in control

Sri Lanka left reeling in second Test in Colombo. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

COLOMBO: New Zealand fast-bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult ensured their side remained in charge of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Monday, reducing the home side to 43 for three at close.

Boult got one, while Southee chipped in with a brace as the home side’s senior batsmen – Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene Kumar Sangakkara – failed to lay a firm foundation.

“To get three wickets before stumps was a great start and the bowlers have been bowling really well throughout this series,” said batsman Kane Williamson. “It was a good day all round and finishing off with the wickets was great.”

“It has been a tough tour with not having much time in the middle but I’ve been working really hard in the last week or so and so it’s nice to have put together this innings.”

I think we’re in a good position but, they have got some seriously good cricketers and so that’s not going to be an easy feat [to win].”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27^th, 2012.