Taylor and Willamson rescue tourists

New Zealand closed the first day on 223-2 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Skipper Ross Taylor (119 not out) and Kane Williamson (95 not out) added an unbeaten 209 for the third wicket after the touring side had slumped to 14-2 by the fourth over.

Nuwan Kulasekara had Martin Guptill (4) caught at first slip off the sixth ball of the match and then Shaminda Eranga had an appeal for lbw against Brendon McCullum (4) upheld, although replays showed the right-hander inside-edged onto his pads.

New Zealand?s third-wicket pair then played brilliantly as they repelled the threat of left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who took 11 wickets in his side?s first Test victory.

Taylor reached three figures - his third Test century of the year off 189 balls - while his junior partner was more sedate, moving to within touching distance of the third Test century of his career off 229 balls.

With the new ball having just been taken, rain then ended play early with 9.1 overs remaining.