Cricket: Black Caps to bat as Wagner dumped

Neil Wagner has been dropped from the Black Caps for the second test against Sri Lanka in Wellington. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand have dumped left armer Neil Wagner for the second test against Sri Lanka starting at the Basin Reserve today.

Wagner has lost his place to Doug Bracewell, who returns for his first test since late 2013.

The change comes amid talk of Bracewell's fine domestic form, but also on the back of captain Brendon McCullum having repeatedly been high in his praise of the industrious Wagner's tireless work as third seamer.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and sent New Zealand in on a hard green strip.

The tourists have made three changes from the first test loss in Christchurch last week.

Seamer Nuwan Pradeep replaces Shaminda Eranga, Dinesh Chandimal replaces Niroshan Dickwella and experienced spinner Rangana Herath replaces the Christchurch debutant Tharindu Kaushal.

New Zealand have been buoyed by Tim Southee passing fit after an ankle scare yesterday.
New Zealand won the first test in Christchurch by eight wickets.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (c), Hamish Rutherford, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Jimmy Neesham, BJ Watling, Mark Craig, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath, Surenga Lakmal.