Malinga gives Lanka upper hand against NZ

WELLINGTON, Sunday (AFP)

SRI Lanka hold a psychological edge going into the second cricket Test against New Zealand here Monday with their top order batsmen presenting a more solid unit in the first Test while the Black Caps struggled with the unorthodox bowling of Lasith Malinga.

The Basin Reserve wicket has been a batsman's paradise this summer, although there is the suggestion of a little moisture to give the bowlers early encouragement.

"If there's some moisture in the wicket it's going to suit us," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said.

"The way Sri Lanka played in the last game their techniques are better suited for lower, flatter wickets. If it does bounce and do a bit sideways then it may give us a chance."

This is a crucial Test for New Zealand who haven't won an international against a major opponent since March last year against South Africa in Auckland.

In a torrid summer they have been flogged by Australia at home and away, and suffered the now familiar second innings collapse on a flat surface in the first Test against Sri Lanka last week.

Adding to their angst will be their recent form at Wellington's Basin Reserve, their most successful Test ground with 11 wins, where rain saved them from certain defeat against Australia last month, after losses to Pakistan and South Africa last summer.

In the first Test against Sri Lanka, Malinga was the chief destroyer as New Zealand fell to 148 for seven in the second innings before Fleming and Lou Vincent averted a potential fatal collapse

Malinga took five for 80 in the second innings and nine wickets for the match on a surface where the bat dominated the ball.

He tormented the batsmen with his mix of yorkers and bouncers, and his round-arm slinging action forced Fleming to request the umpires change to light coloured slacks to help the batsmen better see the ball. But this was turned down.

"We're told what to wear by the ICC (International Cricket Council), it's part of our gear and that's what we are wearing," umpire Darrell Hair said.

"It's all about adaptability. We are talking Test cricket here so we can't just change our clothing for one bowler then come off and change it again when someone else is on.

"I can understand their concerns but we all have to overcome difficulties at some stage of our life, so in some ways it is a test of character."

Malinga's quirky action has been given the all clear by Hair, who previously caused a furore by no-balling Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for throwing. He said Malinga's action was okay "as long as he doesn't bowl underarm".

Fleming, who batted with a badly bruised left hand in the second innings, said the injury had improved and he was confident of playing a full part in the second Test.

Sri Lankan coach John Dyson was happy with his side's effort in their first Test since the October tour of Pakistan.

His prolific top order batsmen all looked in great nick - particularly centurymakers Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene - while Malinga caused constant headaches with his deceptive action.

"The top order batted superbly, they looked extremely solid and looked as if big scores were there to grab," Dyson said.

"The bowlers didn't give up at any stage even when New Zealand were on top, they stuck to their task and bowled very tidily on a very, very good wicket."

New Zealand (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), James Marshall, Craig Cumming, Hamish Marshall, Nathan Astle, Lou Vincent, Brendon McCullum, James Franklin, Kyle Mills, Paul Wiseman, Chris Martin, Iain O'Brien.

Sri Lanka (from): Marvan Atapattu (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Shantha Kalavithigoda, Upul Chandana, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasitha Malinga, Ruchira Perera.

Umpires: Darrell Hair (AUS), Steve Bucknor (WIS).