Helpful Conditions Should Assist Black Caps

Plenty at stake for individuals and the team as the Black Caps gear up for the second test against Sri Lanka starting in Hamilton today.

Kane Williamson could move to the top of the test batting rankings with a strong performance at Seddon Park.

Commentator Bryan Waddle said there may be personal milestones along the way, but it's the team milestones they'll concentrate on.

Bryan Waddle said New Zealand's become an irresistible force in home conditions, and the rapidly improving side will be hard to surpass in Hamilton.

Much of the interest is around the pitch and its grass covering.

Waddle said it's also the new Patumahoe soil that will contrast to the historic tired, slow Waikari.

New Zealand is better equipped to bat on the wicket with its experience and local knowledge being main areas of difference.

The 122 run loss was the first in New Zealand conditions for many of the Sri Lankan players, and coach Jerome Jayaratne says it's a matter of learning from the loss and moving ahead to tomorrow's second test in Hamilton.

"It's a team in transition, with two senior players out we have not looked back, we have just tried to look forward and surge ahead."

Black Caps batsman Kane Williamson expects the youthful touring side to have made improvements since the first test.

"They have quite a new look side over here, as opposed to when we last played them here, so I'm sure they've learned a lot and it should be a good game."

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