New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 4: Black Caps Edge Closer to Win

New Zealand are becoming one of the most likable contemporary cricket teams. Not only do they come across as nice blokes, they also play a style of cricket that’s aggressive without being obtrusive. Instead of stomping all over the opposition from the start they slowly turn the screws and carefully map their way to dominance, as if they’d been reading the Art of War.

They need seven more wickets to win the opening Test against Sri Lanka and if their bowlers can find their rhythm, it should be easy going. Sri Lanka have showed some resilience, but if the Black Caps’ bowlers come to the party on the fifth and final day—and the rain stays away—they should notch up an impressive win. Here are some talking points from the fourth day in Dunedin.

Tom Latham’s century helps New Zealand set the foundation

Tom Latham finished unbeaten on 109 off 180 balls when Brendon McCullum decided to declare. It was the 23-year old's first Test century of the year and came at a time when New Zealand needed their top order to knuckle down.

While the Black Caps certainly aren't short of talented batsmen at the moment, having a young opener who can deliver consistently is the way forward for them. As the old guard start to think about stepping out, it's good to know that the new kids on the block are doing all the right things to build on their good run of form.

Brendon McCullum’s record

It’s easy to wax lyrical about Brendon McCullum, but in an era where players like AB de Villiers are always in the headlines, it’s often forgotten just what a delight he is to watch. He only scored 17 in New Zealand’s second innings, but that was hardly the point.

McCullum's two sixes in that innings took him level with Adam Gilchrist for most sixes in Tests. Both have 100 and while Gilchrist leads the way for balls per six (67.96 versus McCullum's 97.56), it is a gentle reminder of just how entertaining McCullum can be to watch.

Next in line is Chris Gayle with 98 sixes, but he hit one every 122.14 balls. While McCullum’s aggressive, and sometimes risky approach, might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it does set him apart from his contemporaries.

Don’t write Sri Lanka off just yet

Sri Lanka are certainly on the back foot but don’t think it’s all over for the visitors. While Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews are still at the crease, Sri Lanka have a chance to save this Test. Both have batted for six hours in a Test before, with Mathews having batted for over five on five occasions.

Of course, the pressure, conditions and New Zealand’s bowlers will offer a stern challenge, but there is no reason to completely write off some of Sri Lanka’s brightest stars.