Fleming promises positive approach on day two

Stephen Fleming, New Zealand's captain and unbeaten centurion, promised a more positive approach on day two after the visitors crawled towards a position of strength on the opening day of this two test series.

New Zealand laid the foundations for a large first innings score, finishing the day on 207 for two, as Fleming scored 112 from 248 balls, his fifth test century, combining with Mark Richardson to post a record 172 run stand for the second wicket.

"It was an important toss to win but we then had to set a basis for getting a big score. I think, on reflection, if we had got another 20 or 30 runs more we would have had a pretty good day but as it was tough going out there," said Fleming.

He described Richardson's innings as "outstanding" and was delighted by his own performance, but warned that there was plenty of work still to be done.

"In the context it was a pretty important one because the top order had to get runs," he said. "It was defensive kind of day - would have liked to have been a bit more dominant and the fields were set deep throughout much of the day.

"We have got a platform now. If we can get 100 runs or so on the board then we can start being more positive - we have to get a good score on the board and create some pressure for Sri Lanka in the last innings."

Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka's star offspinner, bowled 27 without a wicket - although three chances were missed off his bowling - but Fleming still identified him as the major threat.

"Murali is tough. You can't really score many runs off him because reading him is very difficult. Survival is the first instinct and scoring second - that's why we ended up with a scoring rate of about two per over."

Hashan Tillakaratne, leading the side after the resignation of Sanath Jayasuriya, refused to panic but admitted to being disappointed by the side's fielding.

"It was not a bad day except that we dropped a few catches and that helped them get to 207 - other than that I thought we bowled well," said Tillakaratne. "I am disappointed a little by the fielding but I am sure we will do a good job tomorrow."