18 Dec 2015

Black Caps keep same side for second test

11:29 am on 18 December 2015

The Black Caps have gone into the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Hamilton with the same playing XI which won the opening match in Dunedin.

That means pace bowler Neil Wagner, who played his first Test in almost a year at University Oval, remains in the side at the expense of spinner Mark Craig.

Black Caps bowler Neil Wagner celebrates taking the wicket of Sri Lankan captain Angelo Matthews.

Neil Wagner has retained his place in the Black Caps. Photo: Photosport

New Zealand vice captain Kane Williamson said they decided not to make any changes because of the green Seddon Park pitch, rather than not wanting to change a winning combination.

Williamson said whoever won the toss was likely to bat first.

He said while the green pitch will offer seam bowlers assistance, swing is often a bigger factor in Hamilton.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (captain), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, Mitchell Santner, BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult