A challenging third day looms for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in the first cricket test at Christchurch

The hosts resume on 162 for five in reply to the visitors 355 with Daryl Mitchell 40 and Michael Bracewell nine.

The Black Caps need to rekindle some of the mettle they showed to win after following-on against England at the Basin Reserve.

The Sri Lankan pace attack of Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara is humming though, inspired by the bounce and carry of the Hagley Oval pitch.

The long tail created by the inclusion of Blair Tickner over Will Young means the onus sits with Mitchell and Bracewell to generate something memorable for the sixth wicket, if they're to regain parity.

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