Rookie New Zealand pace bowler William O'Rourke struck early to send back Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka as the hosts returned to bat on day three of the opening Test on Friday.

Sri Lanka found themselves in a strong position on the third day of the opening test against New Zealand in Galle. Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal scored half-centuries as the hosts reached 237-4.

Their win at The Oval is a reminder that conversations about saving the game can begin with recognition that there is a great world out there

Tom Latham and Kane Williamson's half-centuries lead New Zealand to 255-4 on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand 255 for 4 (Latham 70, Williamson 55, Dhananjaya 2-31) trail Sri Lanka 305 (Kamindu 114, Kusal 50, O'Rourke 5-55) by 50 runs Partnerships were the name of the game as New Zealand strung together several of significance to come within 50 runs of Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 305 at stumps on day two in Galle.

Opener Tom Latham made 70 to power New Zealand's reply before departing in the final over before tea on the second day of the first Sri Lanka Test with the tourists 136-2 on Thursday. Latham put on a 63-run opening stand before Sri Lanka broke through when Devon Conway missed a straight ball from off-spinner Ramesh Mendis and was sent back lbw for 11.