SL vs NZ 2024: Why are New Zealand players wearing black armbands in second Test?

The New Zealand players were spotted with black armbands around their elbows during their huddle in the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.

Notably, the gesture was a tribute to their erstwhile manager and director of New Zealand Cricket, Ian Taylor, who also served as the chairperson at Cricket Wellington. The gesture by the Kiwis just went on to show the immense respect and acclaim Taylor's aura had during the tenure he was associated with NZC.

The Test team is wearing black arm-bands on day 1 of the 2nd Test in Galle to honour the passing of former BLACKCAPS manager, NZC director & Cricket Wellington chair Ian Taylor #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/LX2wfyabTZ

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 26, 2024

Also Check: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, Second Test 2024: Match Preview, Playing XI, Where to Watch on TV & Live Streaming Details 

New Zealand go unchanged as Sri Lanka make couple of changes

Despite the 63-run loss in the first Test  at the same venue, the Black Caps did not find it necessary to make any change in their XI. On the other hand, the Lankans handed a debut to spinner Nishan Peiris, who replaced Ramesh Mendis as a like-for-like replacement. Further, Lahiru Kumara, who went wicketless in 14 overs in the first game, made way for Milan Rathnayake, who impressed in his debut series against England.

At the time of writing, Sri Lanka were 85/1 at the end of 26 overs. Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal have navigated the tide well after Pathum Nissanka nicked one behind to Tom Blundell off Tim Southee in the very first over of the game.

Also Read: 'Every run you get in the first innings is very important' - Gary Stead discusses key points on eve of second SL Test

Chandimal looks the more enterprising of the two batters, getting to his 30th Test fifty after being one run shy of the milestone for 14 deliveries.