Prolific middle-order batter Kamindu Mendis struck a fine hundred to rescue Sri Lanka from a precarious position as the hosts reached 302-7 at stumps on Day 1 of the first test against New Zealand.

Follow live coverage of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand from the New Zealand in Sri Lanka 2024 today. The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021.

Their win at The Oval is a reminder that conversations about saving the game can begin with recognition that there is a great world out there

Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara is Sri Lanka’s leading test run-scorer and leading century-maker. In 134 tests, the left-hander amassed 12400 at an outstanding average of 57, with the help of 38 centuries and 52 fifties. Sangakkara is his country’s leading ODI run-scorer as well.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat after winning the toss in the first test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday. Both teams opted to play two spinners with Sri Lanka going for the left-arm spin of Prabath Jayasuriya and off-spin of Ramesh Mendis.

One of Sri Lanka’s most reliable batsmen of the past 15 years is Angelo Mathews, who is his nation’s third-highest test run-scorer with 7766 runs. Mathews has played in 112 test matches so far, in which he averages an impressive 45 with 16 centuries. The right-hander has a highest test score of 200*.

Opener Tom Latham made 70 to power New Zealand's reply before departing in the final over before tea on the second day of the first Sri Lanka Test with the tourists 136-2 on Thursday. Latham put on a 63-run opening stand before Sri Lanka broke through when Devon Conway missed a straight ball from off-spinner Ramesh Mendis and was sent back lbw for 11.