Brendon McCullum plays his 99th consecutive Test for New Zealand © Getty Images
Brendon McCullum broke AB de Villiers’ record of most number of consecutive Tests since debut with his appearance in the second Test against Sri Lanka in the 3-match Test series. It was McCullum’s 99th Test since debut de Villiers held the record of 98 consecutive Tests since his debut. The latter had earlier broken retired cricketer Adam Gilchrist’s record of 96 consecutive Tests since debut. The Australian opener played as many as 96 Tests in his career of nine years. Meanwhile, McCullum is leading the Black Caps at present in Hamilton. New Zealand won the toss and put the Lankans to bat first. FULL Cricket Scorecard: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2015-16, 2nd Test, Day 1 at Hamilton
Sri Lanka finished the Day One at 264 for 7 with skipper Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera on the crease at 63 and 0 respectively. The Black Caps pace duo, Tim Southee and Trent Boult shared four wickets between them with both bagging two each wicket of those. The other breakthrough was made by Dough Bracewell, while Jayasundera was run out.
The decision of fielding first by the hosts did not come as a surprise as the pitch was a green top and New Zealand with four seamers in the team would have wanted to exploit it. Both teams have gone onto the match with the same playing XI. New Zealand lead the two-Test series 1-0, courtesy of a 122-run win at Dunedin. READ: Angelo Mathews guides Sri Lanka to 198-4 at tea vs New Zealand in 2nd Test, Day 1 at Hamilton
New Zealand will aim to end their year on a high note with a win in this match and in turn win the 3-match Test series. They hold the record of most number of consecutive wins at home as they remain undefeated since March 2012.