Black Caps Believe They're Still In the Fight

The Black Caps believe they're still well in the fight for the second test against Sri Lanka in Hamilton despite staring down the barrel of a first innings deficit.

The tourists were the victors on day two, restricting the Black Caps to 232 for nine, with the hosts still trailing by 60 runs.

Commentator Bryan Waddle said Sri Lanka took a point's advantage on a day New Zealand's batsmen failed to cope with aggressive short pitched bowling.

The day started well enough with Sri Lanka dismissed after adding just 28 for the last three wickets, and then New Zealand posting 61 without loss before the break.

Pace bowler Dushmantha Chameera unleashed some well directed short deliveries, with Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor all falling to the setup.

Four wickets fell for eight runs in the space of four overs, from which New Zealand never recovered and they seemed destined to concede an advantage.

Doug Bracewell and Trent Boult will resume this morning on 232 for nine, trailing by 60 runs.

Opener Martin Guptill is drawing inspiration from a slight resurgence from their tail.

He says they'd not where they'd like to be after having to weather a storm from Sri Lanka after lunch, but they still feel well in the match.

Radio Sport