Kane rues ‘wrong option’
A pitch misread and a needlessly reckless shot left New Zealand captain Kane Williamson pained by their six-wicket defeat to a more patient Sri Lanka in the first cricket test.
In shades of their last tour seven years ago, the Black Caps will head to Colombo’s P Sara Oval on Thursday needing victory to level the two-match series after defeat in Galle.
In 2012 they suffered a 10-wicket loss in Galle before roaring back with a 167-run victory in Colombo.
This opening defeat wasn’t so comprehensive and the Black Caps missed some chances to take control in a seesawing test before the hosts got home by six wickets chasing 268 on Sunday.
Poor returns from the New Zealand top five were a significant factor in their defeat as they scored 249 and 285 after winning a crucial toss, on a pitch with more grass than usual which took turn but didn’t become a minefield.
The second innings was bailed out by BJ Watling (77), Will Somerville (40 not out) and the rest of the tail after they slumped to 98-5. Batting mainstays Williamson (4) and Ross Taylor (3) both departed in quick succession charging at young left-arm spinner Lasith Edbuldeniya, and Williamson’s regret was obvious when asked.
‘‘Personally I was looking to be a little bit too positive when it wasn’t really required. In hindsight that wouldn’t have been the option,’’ he said.
‘‘The wicket was getting slower rather than deteriorating and there were less good deliveries in terms of balls spitting out of the rough which you get used to when you play in this part of the world.
‘‘It wasn’t to be, and the guys who were much more patient were a lot more successful. There’s a lot for all of us to learn from.’’
Williamson’s scores of 0 and 4 added up his second-lowest total of a 73-test career where he averages 52.5 and is ranked second behind India’s Virat Kohli.
Again it summed up how vital the skipper’s runs are to the Black Caps’ success, and how rare such loose shots are. In the past two years when they won five straight series, rose to No 2 in the world and lost just once, Williamson topped 1000 runs at an average of 68.
Sunday’s second defeat in that period ensured the end of their streak of five series victories and snuffed out their hopes of moving past India to No 1 on the rankings, which required a 2-0 Sri Lankan sweep.
The chances of Williamson missing out again are slim, and like all his team-mates will be better for the run. Playing their first test since early March, on one warmup game that was washed out before they could bat, a bounceback victory in shades of 2012 is a distinct chance given how tight a struggle game one was.
Changes will be minimal, with Mitchell Santner the most under threat after bowling 24 wicketless overs and scoring 13 and 12.
Depending on conditions which are expected to be bouncier, either legspinner Todd Astle or seamer Colin de Grandhomme could come in to fill that No 7 spot.
Astle was unlucky to miss out with his legspin a point of difference, while Somerville and Ajaz Patel were good in tandem and will continue after taking 10 of the 14 Sri Lankan wickets.
Joe Root believes Jofra Archer has changed the dynamic of the Ashes series after a ‘‘frightening’’ test debut at Lord’s.
Archer bowled 44 overs, struck Australian players 11 times and left Steve Smith, the finest batsman of his generation, fighting to be fit for the third test with a concussion injury.
After years of England batsmen being on the receiving end of bouncers from Australian fast bowlers, Root is relishing unleashing Archer and believes he can lift his side to win two of the last three tests and regain the Ashes
‘‘He has come in and had a massive impact and added a dynamic to our bowling group. He has given Australia something to think about and it is really impressive to see someone come in on test debut and shake up things and live up to the hype. It makes for some very interesting last few games,’’ Root said.
‘‘He makes things happen when not many others in the world of cricket can.
‘‘He has such a unique action and way of bowling, and his natural pace is always going to be in the game on any surface. With the other guys around him, it makes a tasty combination, which is why we always felt we were in the game.
‘‘They will have to think quite clearly how to combat how he is going to come at them. It is different to the other options we have had previously in this team. On a surface that might nibble and to add him into a quartet is a really big bonus for us.’’
Root admitted England were shocked to see Smith walk out to resume his innings on Saturday after his sickening blow on the neck from Archer. ‘‘It was a horrible moment. You are always trying to find different ways to get guys like Steve out, but you don’t want to see that. I couldn’t believe he came back out, but he was desperate to do well for Australia and his team-mates.’’
Ben Stokes was named man of the match for his unbeaten 115 in England’s second innings of 258-5 declared, but he also paid tribute
to Archer after the second test ended in a draw with Australia 154-6 chasing 267.
Stokes fielded close in to Archer for most of the two Australian innings and was blown away by his impact.
‘‘Frightening. I am not sure there will be a better debut in terms of announcing yourself in the team,’’ Stokes said.
‘‘The spell [to Smith] was incredible to watch, we were laughing he was going to be top of the rankings after one test. We are very lucky he is in our team. He gives you an extra dimension.’’
Tim Paine, the Australia captain, was one of Archer’s three second-innings wickets and was clearly unsettled by his bouncers. He admitted Australia would spend the next few days discussing how to face Archer.
‘‘We have seen him for a few years now. We know the package he brings with his pace and that’s