1st Test, New Zealand v Sri Lanka Test Series 2018, 14 Dec 2018

Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to silly point for no runs, fielded by Nicholls, fielded by Williamson. It's just started to drizzle again in Wellington, so with just a few minutes until the lunch break the umpires decide it's best to get the covers on. It was only a short session but yet another one in which Mathews and Mendis looked untroubled. Sri Lanka trail by just nine runs now and the draw is looking more and more likely.Rain is the winner today in Wellington so the First Test at the Basin Reserve is drawn. Two days ago that seemed impossible with Sri Lanka wobbling in their second innings and still a long way behind New Zealand, yet Angelo Mathews (120*) and Kusal Mendis (141*) didn't let that bother them. The two right-handers played with contrasting batting styles but similar battling attitude, putting on an astounding unbroken 274 run partnership to rescue their side from oblivion. After Tim Southee (6/68) made expert use of helpful conditions on the opening day, the pitch really seemed to flatten out and runs were there for the taking. While several Kiwi batsmen got starts, Tom Latham stood head and shoulders above the rest through immense levels of concentration and discipline to compile a career-best 264 not out, carrying his bat in the process. The obdurate opener showed the method which Mathews and Mendis later copied, meaning we head to Christchurch on Boxing Day with the series still level.