DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) Opener Martin Guptill displayed outstanding timing both at the crease and in his cricket career Thursday as he compiled an unbeaten century to lead New Zealand to 229-2 at tea on the opening day of the first test against Sri Lanka.
Guptill, who was 111 not out after sharing 173-run partnership with Kane Williamson, has shown a knack throughout his career of producing big innings just when his place in the New Zealand lineup became tenuous.
His position was under threat again after a poor tour to Australia in which he scored 82 runs in six test innings at an average of 13.6. But Guptill retained the confidence of New Zealand coach Mike Hesson and repaid it Thursday by scoring his third test century as New Zealand took control after losing what seemed an important toss.
Nuwan Pradeep had Williamson caught by a leaping Dimuth Karunaratne at slip at the stroke of tea for 88.
Williamson had looked in dangerous form, as he was in Australia where he made centuries in the first and second tests. He rushed to 32 from only 33 balls with six boundaries.
Sri Lanka bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Pradeep missed their lengths in the early, advantageous conditions and allowed openers Guptill and Tom Latham to play confidently from the front foot.
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews was forced to join the attack in the eighth over, with New Zealand scoring at five runs per over.
Mathews' introduction and tighter spells from Pradeep and Lakmal briefly slowed the run-rate and brought the wicket of opener Tom Latham, who was out for 22 after making a patient start.
Latham misjudged a ball from Lakmal which was just short of a driving length and which seamed slightly. He attempted to play firmly to mid-on but the movement of the ball deviated enough to create a return catch to Lakmal which the bowler juggled before securing.
Williamson then joined Guptill and the pair quickened the scoring again as Sri Lanka's bowlers, working on a shorter length, began to stray too wide of the stumps. Many runs in the second hour came behind point.
Lakmal had 1-58 from 14 overs, while Pradeep had 1-67.
