New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Day 2 - Brilliant Dushmantha Chameera!

A fast bowler at his best is the best thing to happen in a Test match and they are an asset for any team. They create a big impact on the game and of course, they can change the course of the game in the twinkle of an eye. A Test match is never dull when a fast bowler is steaming in, banging in some bloody bone-chilling short-stuffs, mesmerizing yorkers fired through the blockhole and knocking back the stumps with deceptive pace. Boy, their lively celebrations also adds a colorful dimension to the game.

Dushmantha Chameera’s bowling against Pakistan in the Dhamika-Prasad-oriented second Test at Colombo was encouraging enough to impress me. I believed that he will improve with time, but actually, I never thought that he will make his mark so soon as young bowlers from the subcontinent takes time to bounce back after returning from injuries. But he struck gold. 

His lively spell of fast-bowling against one of the top Test sides of world cricket paid rich dividends as Sri Lanka are in a commendable position at Hamilton. New Zealand were in complete command at 81 for 0, but suddenly lost their way when Chameera dismissed Tom Latham and then, toppled the dangerous Ross Taylor and Kane Willaimson. The wickets of Tim Southee and Neil Wagner gifted him his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Again,  one must not forget the contributions of Rangana Herath, Nuwan Pradeep and co provided to sustain the pressure on the New Zealand batsmen. While Herath was teasing, Pradeep joined the shot-ball-party by pitching it accurately on the short-of-a-length to make it an eventful day.

Test cricket is beautiful.

Day 3 should be an enjoyable one as well.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar