Kiwis-Tigers second Test looks evenly poised after 3rd day

NZ coach Jurgensen still hopes for a clean sweep

AGENCIES, Christchurch: The Black Caps are still odds-on to complete another clean sweep over Bangladesh in the tour-ending test series, providing their bowling attack can multi-task effectively at Hagley Oval.
Although day three of the second test was washed out by a continuation of Christchurch's underwhelming summer on Sunday, Black Caps' bowling coach Shane Jurgensen felt there was still ample time available to consign his former team to an eighth successive loss before they head to India.
The second test was evenly poised when rain intervened for the first time during the final session on Saturday and although another 90 overs were wiped from the match on Sunday, Jurgensen said the Black Caps could back-up the seven-wicket win at the Basin Reserve if his bowlers support Henry Nicholls and then swiftly roll the tourists.
The Black Caps hopes of overtaking Bangladesh's first innings likely rest on Henry Nicholls, who is unbeaten on 56, his fourth test fifty.
When play resumes - fine weather is predicted on days four and five - the Black Caps hopes of erasing a 29-run first innings deficit primarily rest on Nicholls, who is unbeaten on 56, his fourth test half century.
Shane Jurgensen: "I think it's going to be a real test of our character as a team to try and get as many runs as we can."
Tim Southee (4) is his first ally - and history suggests not a particularly reliable one - when the Black Caps build on their 260-7 so Neil Wagner and Trent Boult must also provide stickability if the Black Caps are to defy in-form all-rounder Shakib al Hasan and at least get in credit.
“It's a good opportunity for them to support Henry and hopefully squeeze out as many runs as we can and get a decent lead,” said Jurgensen.
Shakib collected three wickets with his left-arm spin on Saturday as the Black Caps, who are $1.85 favourites to win, saw their plans to post a sizeable lead evaporate before the drizzle.
After cracking a record 217 in the first test in Wellington Shakib al Hasan's left-arm spin enabled Bangladesh to finish day two of the second test with a flourish.
The 46-test veteran looms as a threat on Monday and if the Black Caps bat again on a wearing pitch. Seamers Kamrul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain should also be encouraged by operating on a surface that has been undercover.
Meanwhile, Ross Taylor became the third New Zealander to surpass 6000 Test runs during his knock of 77 against Bangladesh on Day Two of the second Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Taylor joined former New Zealand skippers Stephen Fleming (7,172) and Brendon McCullum (6453) in an elite club. The right-hander looked set to create more history with a century but was caught by substitute fielder Taijul Islam off Mehedi Hasan for 77.
Heading into the Christchurch Test, Taylor was 62 runs away from reaching the landmark. The hosts begun their innings on Saturday with Jeet Raval and Tom Latham putting on 45 runs for the first wicket, before Kamrul Islam took two wickets in the same over.

Kiwis-Tigers second Test looks evenly poised after 3rd day

NZ coach Jurgensen still hopes for a clean sweep

AGENCIES, Christchurch: The Black Caps are still odds-on to complete another clean sweep over Bangladesh in the tour-ending test series, providing their bowling attack can multi-task effectively at Hagley Oval. Although day three of the second test was washed out by a continuation of Christchurchs underwhelming summer on Sunday, Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen felt there was still ample time available to consign his former team to an eighth successive loss before they head to India. The second test was evenly poised when rain intervened for the first time during the final session on Saturday and although another 90 overs were wiped from the match on Sunday, Jurgensen said the Black Caps could back-up the seven-wicket win at the Basin Reserve if his bowlers support Henry Nicholls and then swiftly roll the tourists. The Black Caps hopes of overtaking Bangladeshs first innings likely rest on Henry Nicholls, who is unbeaten on 56, his fourth test fifty. When play resumes - fine weather is predicted on days four and five - the Black Caps hopes of erasing a 29-run first innings deficit primarily rest on Nicholls, who is unbeaten on 56, his fourth test half century. Shane Jurgensen: I think its going to be a real test of our character as a team to try and get as many runs as we can. Tim Southee (4) is his first ally - and history suggests not a particularly reliable one - when the Black Caps build on their 260-7 so Neil Wagner and Trent Boult must also provide stickability if the Black Caps are to defy in-form all-rounder Shakib al Hasan and at least get in credit. Its a good opportunity for them to support Henry and hopefully squeeze out as many runs as we can and get a decent lead, said Jurgensen. Shakib collected three wickets with his left-arm spin on Saturday as the Black Caps, who are $1.85 favourites to win, saw their plans to post a sizeable lead evaporate before the drizzle. After cracking a record 217 in the first test in Wellington Shakib al Hasans left-arm spin enabled Bangladesh to finish day two of the second test with a flourish. The 46-test veteran looms as a threat on Monday and if the Black Caps bat again on a wearing pitch. Seamers Kamrul Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain should also be encouraged by operating on a surface that has been undercover. Meanwhile, Ross Taylor became the third New Zealander to surpass 6000 Test runs during his knock of 77 against Bangladesh on Day Two of the second Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Taylor joined former New Zealand skippers Stephen Fleming (7,172) and Brendon McCullum (6453) in an elite club. The right-hander looked set to create more history with a century but was caught by substitute fielder Taijul Islam off Mehedi Hasan for 77. Heading into the Christchurch Test, Taylor was 62 runs away from reaching the landmark. The hosts begun their innings on Saturday with Jeet Raval and Tom Latham putting on 45 runs for thefirst wicket, before Kamrul Islam took two wickets in the same over.