Cricket: Sri Lankan tour gets underway

Competition is hot in the Sri Lankan one day cricket team heading into the tour opener against New Zealand domestic champions Central Districts in New Plymouth this afternoon.

The two sides clash in a day nighter to kick off the tour, which includes five one day internationals against the Black Caps and two tests.

Sri Lankan coach John Dyson said he wants to see how some of his team handle the change of conditions as it is important they acclimatise quickly.

He said his side is looking forward to getting out in the middle and seeing how the ground plays, and playing well.

Dyson said any player who comes out and performs strongly from the start will put themselves in a good position to play in the international one dayers, which begin on Boxing Day.

Dyson is expecting a tough test from Central Districts, and he is impressed with the line up they will field which includes Black Caps Mathew Sinclair and Jacob Oram, as well as the much talked about contender for one of the opening positions Jamie How and former international Craig Spearman.

Spearman will be playing his first game after returning from county cricket in England.

CD Coach Graham Barlow said the stadium is in top condition, with the outfield looking excellent.

He said as far as the boundaries are concerned, the square boundaries are short, but not as short as he thought they would be.

The game starts at 2pm.

- NEWSTALK ZB