Tim Southee believes atmospheric conditions helped New Zealand's late surge

Southee was the best Kiwi bowler on day one of second Test

New Zealand fast bowler Tim southee believes that a change in atmospheric conditions at the end of day was what resulted in a late surge by the hosts on day one of the second Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hamilton, reports ESPN Cricinfo.

Sri Lanka, who were only four wickets down after 64 overs, lost three wickets in the final three overs to finish on 264 for 7 at the end of day one. Trent Boult, who picked up two wickets in an over, first knocked over the well-set Milinda Siriwardana for 62 before dismissing Kithuruwan Vithanage for a duck.

"When the temperature dropped towards the end of the day, it wasn't as humid, and then it started swinging more," Southee said. "I guess it had something to do with the overhead conditions and we made the most of that little period where it clouded over before the rain. Trent's spell tonight was good.”

Despite winning the toss and choosing to field, the Kiwis didn’t make the most out of a green surface as the visitors scored 108 for two and the right arm fast bowler admitted as much.

"I guess we started okay, but probably didn't use what was in wicket as much as we could have," he said. "I don't think we executed to our liking in the first couple of hours. Went past the bat a little bit but didn't create enough pressure in first session. We clawed our way back in the last half an hour. It's a lot better than two for whatever at lunch time, when they would have been sitting pretty.”

Southee was the pick of the bowlers, but Doug Bracewell was unlucky once again as the final ball of his first over clipped the top of off stump, but failed to remove the bail and Neil Wagner’s tactics didn’t work as well as they did in the first Test.

"Dougie bowled - and has bowled for long time - very well, without a lot of luck," Southee said. "Today he was getting a bit closer, hitting stumps and bails not come off. He bowled outstandingly through the back end of the Aussie tour and in Dunedin, without rewards.”

"The short ball was something we used in Dunedin to great success, and it was worth a crack. Wags was a bit unlucky with top edges that went over the rope, but it's something we'll continue to use over the next few days.”

Southee admitted that Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews, who was unbeaten on 63 at stumps, will be the crucial to restricting Sri Lanka’s score on day two.

"The first hour is crucial, especially with the new ball just around the corner. But it won't be easy with Angelo still there as a big wicket. He can work with the tail and does score at a good clip, so it is important we bowl well, especially to him.”