Nicholls learns as Kiwis dominate

Henry Nicholls credits personal failure early in his career for his valuable contribution to New Zealand's game plan yesterday as they dominated the second Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch.

A year ago the middle-order batsman was struggling to hold his place in the side.

But a personal best 162 not out, and a 214-run partnership with Tom Latham (176) were key to New Zealand having Sri Lanka on the ropes at the end of the third day.

New Zealand declared their second innings at 585 for four, to lead by 659 runs and at stumps Sri Lanka in their second innings were two for 24.

It has lifted his average to a respectable 43.15 in his 22nd Test. It was under 25 after his first 10 innings.

"I learned a lot early in my career through a lot of failure," said Nicholls after his third century this year.

It was as the better player that he and Latham, and later Colin de Grandhomme (71 not out), combined to effect a plan to tire the Sri Lankans in the field.

Play will resume on the fourth day Saturday with Sri Lanka needing another 636 runs with eight wickets remaining.

Only three times in cricket history has the winning side scored more than 400 in the fourth innings, with the current record of 418 set by the West Indies against Australia 15 years ago in Antigua.

NEW ZEALAND v SRI LANKA

NEW ZEALAND: First innings 178 & second innings 585 for 4 declared (Latham 176, Nicholls 162 not out, Raval 74; Kumara 2-134)

SRI LANKA: First innings 104 (Mathews 33 not out, Silva 21, Mendis 15; Boult 6-30, Southee 3-35)