New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test at Wellington, Dec 15 2006 - Match Result

Chamara Silva, who collected a pair in his debut Test, but roared back in this game with a scintillating ton, was awarded the Man-of-the-Match trophy. Stephen Fleming makes a nice speech.. "Sri Lankans played great cricket, Over the past year they have emerged as a credible and strong Test team. ... they have one of the greatest spin bowlers (Murali) and a action which is very difficult to pick (Malinga)" That about sums it up for as well. It was a wonderful comeback from a team who had lost the first Test. There was some controversy as well. A run out. Debates raged about whether it was unsporting. And here we are now.. all even stevens and wondering why is it so. Surely, these two-match series should be discontinued.

This is Sriram Veera, and along with Jamie Alter, signing off. It was good fun bringing you the live action. Till next time, good bye and good luck!

85.1

Murali to Franklin, OUT

That's it! Sri Lanka have romped home to a series-levelling win. Murali spins them home with his 9th five-wicket haul of the year. He, now, has a 10-wicket match-haul against each of the Test playing nations. Flighted up and Franklin, who put up such a good defiant two-man act with Vettori, swings it straight into the lap of the deep midwicket.

James Franklin c Silva b Muralidaran 44 (95b 4x4 1x6 133m) SR: 46.31

Over85

8 runs

NZ 286/9CRR: 3.36

CS Martin 4 (7b 1x4)JEC Franklin 44 (94b 4x4 1x6)

MF Maharoof1/47 (11)

Ray H writes in, "In response to Warwick Inder I would like to add I think NZ presently has the same selection problems as the England....i.e., some of the 'best' players are sitting on the sidelines. How can Ryder with a 1st class average of nearly 50 not be selected; how can Ross Taylor with as good a technique as Crowe not be selected. Conversely, how do we select How and Cumming with their domestic averages? If we look at the bowlers also I ask myself why players such as Adams, Gillespie and Patel are not in the frame. If NZ cricket is going to progress it must leave those that are not performing behind. "

84.6

•

Maharoof to Martin, no run

lands on a length, cuts back in and raps Martin on the pads

84.5

•

Maharoof to Martin, no run

84.4

Maharoof to Martin, 4 byes

yorker, goes between the bat and pad, and goes away for four byes. I am sure Martin acted as he was playing a straight drive, it was cleverly done to fool Sangakkara who reacted late and couldn't quite get across in time! Just kidding. Or may be not!

Ben attacks me with, "You forgot to point out that Martin has bought up his 50 - in only 33 matches" My bad.

84.3

•

Maharoof to Martin, no run

In the channel outside off, left alone

Derek screams out, "I don't think it is necessary to spell Fleming. Just reverse the batting order!

84.2

Maharoof to Martin, FOUR runs

Martin hits the seventh four of his career. Short of length, outside off, driven on the up, through backward point. Easy.

84.1

•

Maharoof to Martin, no run

In the zone outside off, Martin goes back and across, covers the stumps and shoulders arms. . Nicely done!

Over84

Maiden

NZ 278/9CRR: 3.30

JEC Franklin 44 (94b 4x4 1x6)CS Martin 0 (1b)

M Muralidaran5/87 (34)

83.6

•

Murali to Franklin, no run

Murali makes sure Martin will face the next over. Rips across a quick offbreak that spins away sharply after landing outside the offstump. Franklin goes for a squareslash, cant' connect

83.5

•

Murali to Franklin, no run

goes back, punches it back down the track

83.4

•

Murali to Franklin, no run

83.3

•

Murali to Franklin, no run

And again.

83.2

•

Murali to Franklin, no run

refuses a single after sweeping a fullish delvery to long leg

83.1

•

Murali to Franklin, no run

floated up, pushed to the offside

Still on Tindill. Carey again. "Tindill is unique also in that he is the only one that played both test cricket and rugby whereas Oliver, Page, McKechnie and Wilson represented NZ at either one day internationals in cricket or tour matches only with the AB's. As a gutsy left handed batsman, I am sure he would have enjoyed Vettori's brave knock."