Fleming puts NZ in control

Captain Stephen Fleming hit an unbeaten 112, his fifth Test century, to put New Zealand in charge against Sri Lanka after a slow start on the first day of the first Test on Friday.

Left-handers Fleming and Mark Richardson, whose 85 included seven boundaries and a six, shared a dogged second-wicket stand of 172 as the visitors reached the close on 207 for two.

Sri Lanka8217;s bowling attack foundered after seam bowler Prabath Nissanka had claimed his first Test wicket in the morning session.

Nissanka, who conceded just 21 runs in 14 overs, made the breakthrough when he removed Matthew Horne for four, the batsman being well caught by a diving Kumara Dharmasena at short leg. Richardson, batting with a runner because of a sore hamstring, picked up the tempo in the afternoon before being bowled by left-arm seam bowler Chaminda Vaas for 85 in the first over with the second new ball.