Fleming still upbeat after second day's play

Stephen Fleming remained upbeat about his side's chances despite New Zealand slipping to 75 for 4 on a truncated second day in this second Test.

Fleming took comfort from Kandy's history as a low scoring venue, and hoped that his middle order would keep New Zealand in the game. "It was a tough little session and we were not quite on song but we are still fighting," he said. "Sri Lanka will feel they have the upper hand but we still feel we have a sniff by having to bowl last.

"The history of this ground suggests low scores [are common] and it is not going to be easy batting last. From our position now, 200 to 250 would be ideal. The pitch is a bit up and down and there have been a couple of shouts when the ball has stayed low. We know that if we can get a reasonable score we will be in the game."

Fleming was confident that his bowlers would do well in these conditions. "Shane [Bond] and Jacob [Oram] both hit the deck hard and they should get some variation in bounce. The pitch is offering the spinners slow turn but the threatening time is with the new ball."

Fleming was one of the four batsmen to be dismissed, following his magnificent performance in Colombo, where he had scored 274 not out and 69 not out, with a fifth-ball duck.

He was philosophical: "I was in a good frame of mind but that is batting - you just have to make one mistake. It was a straight one that swung and I played across it - it's as simple as that."

Chaminda Vaas, who took 2 for 19 from 10 overs, reclaiming the swing that makes him such a dangerous left-arm bowler, was delighted with his return to form.

"I am getting my rhythm back after the injury in Sharjah," he said. "The ankle is getting stiff but it's getting better day by day.

"We now have a good chance if it doesn't rain but we have to get them out as early as possible."