New Zealand must adapt to the tricky Galle surface if they are to avenge their hard-fought Test loss to Sri Lanka this week, coach Gary Stead said on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite not having played a warm-up match, the Kiwis showed resilience by taking a first-innings lead, but Sri Lanka's experience in home conditions ultimately helped them secure a close victory on the final morning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"For the most part, it was a very evenly contested match, with small moments shifting the game's momentum," New Zealand coach Gary Stead told reporters ahead of Thursday's second Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"These conditions are vastly different from what we experience in New Zealand. It's about adapting and adjusting."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We need to focus on one session at a time. There are crucial World Test Championship points at stake, and we are keen to put up our best game," Stead added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand's preparation for the second Test was interrupted by rain on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The visitors are likely to make a few changes in an effort to level the series and maintain their unbeaten streak against Sri Lanka, which dates back to 2009.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who managed just one wicket and scored four runs in the first Test, is likely to be replaced by off-spinner Michael Bracewell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Opening batsman Devon Conway, who has failed to score a half-century in his last 10 Test innings, could be left out in favour of Will Young.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Young has had a productive county season with Nottinghamshire and is in contention for a spot at the top of the order.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Sri Lanka moving up -<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have moved up to third place in the World Test Championship standings after their win in the first Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A win in the second Test could significantly boost their chances of securing a spot in the final at Lord's next June.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby said his team had to work on scoring big in the first innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Recently, we've often been playing catch-up because we haven't posted strong enough totals upfront. Another concern is getting more contributions from the lower order."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka have confirmed that all-rounder Milan Rathnayake will return to the side, replacing Lahiru Kumara.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rathnayake's inclusion is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka's tail-end batting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Additionally, Sri Lanka will hand a Test cap to off-spinner Nishan Peiris, who will replace Ramesh Mendis, who took six wickets in the game but struggled with consistency in his lengths.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Peiris, 27, has been knocking on the door after a solid performance with Sri Lanka A on their tour of South Africa this month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel claiming six wickets in the second innings, it was New Zealand's rookie pacer William O'Rourke who caused Sri Lanka the most trouble with his awkward bounce.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He really surprised us with the amount of bounce he generated. We've never seen anyone extract that much bounce in Galle," Kandamby said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We handled the short ball well in England, but here it was the inconsistent bounce that gave us trouble.<\/p>\r\n\r\n