Dunedin , December 13 : Blackcaps keeper batsman Brendon McCullum equalled Adam Gilchrist’s record of most sixes in Test cricket when he belted Rangana Herath over the fence in Dunedin.
McCullum came to the crease during the first session on day four of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at University Oval with the home side looking for quick runs and a prompt declaration.
The right-hander wasted no time, dancing down the track to his first ball and whacking left-arm spinner Herath for a straight six. Soon after the skipper hit Herath over mid-wicket for his 100th six in his 98th Test.
Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist hoisted 100 sixes in 96 Tests.
With opener Tom Latham 109 not out, McCullum (17no) soon after declared with the Black Caps 3-267, setting the tourists 405 to win with more than five sessions remaining.
Tim Southee took two wickets as New Zealand then tightened the screws on Sri Lanka.
The tourists’ response was disrupted by three stoppages as southerly squalls swept across the ground. Further showers are forecast for the final day.
At stumps on day four, with an hour’s play lost because of the weather, Sri Lanka were 3-109 for three, requiring a further 296 runs.
Dinesh Chandimal is not out 31 and captain Angelo Mathews has yet to face. Sri Lanka veteran Rangana Herath, 37, said they needed the pair to bat through the first session today to save the Test.
Southee had Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s top scorer in the first innings, caught behind for 29 and 10 runs later debutant Udara Jayasundera fell to Neil Wagner for 3.
Mendis, in only his second Test, persevered for 150 deliveries and benefited from dropped catches on 13 and 25 before he was caught behind off Southee for 46 with the score on 109 just as a hail storm brought play to a halt for the third and final time.
The dismissal of Mendis gave wicketkeeper BJ Watling a New Zealand record ninth catch for the Test.
With seven wickets left he has a chance to reach the Test record of 11 jointly held by England’s Jack Russell and South African AB de Villiers.
Courtesy : AFP