Sri Lanka’s Dananjaya takes 5 to put NZ on back foot in Galle

Black Caps 203 for 5 at stumps on Day 1 of 1st Test

GALLE, Sri Lanka, Aug 14, (AP): Ross Taylor was approaching a 19th Test century and holding New Zealand’s innings together as the tourists ended a rain-shortened opening day of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka at 203 for five.

Only 34 deliveries were possible in the third session Wednesday after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds lashed across the Galle Stadium from the Indian Ocean shortly after tea.

Taylor remained unbeaten on 86, having scored his 31st Test half century. He had made his runs off 131 balls and including six boundaries. Mitchell Santner was batting with him on eight.

Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya took his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests and had 5-57 in 22 overs at stumps.

New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval gave the Black Caps a steady start, adding 64 runs for the

New Zealand’s Tom Latham plays a shot as Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella watches during day one of the first Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle, Sri Lanka on Aug 14. (AP)