Why are New Zealand players wearing black arm-bands in the 2nd SL vs NZ 2024 Test?

New Zealand men's Test players wore black arm-bands on the opening day of the second match in Galle on Thursday, September 26, to commemorate the passing of Ian Taylor. He served in various roles in New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

A Blackcaps statement said Taylor was a former NZC board director, Kiwi men's team manager, and Cricket Wellington chair.

"The Test team is wearing black arm-bands on day 1 of the 2nd Test in Galle to honour the passing of former BLACKCAPS manager, NZC director & Cricket Wellington chair Ian Taylor #SLvNZ," the statement on X read.

Black arm-bands are customary in cricket and other sports to honor recently passed away athletes, staff members, sports personalities, or national icons.

Sri Lanka opt to bat first, what did the captains say?

Sri Lanka are leading the two-match Test series after a big win in the first game at the same venue. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva won his fifth toss on the trot and opted to bat first on a pitch that looked like it'd get difficult to bat on as the game progressed.

"We are going to bat first. This pitch looks firmer than the last one. More grass but flatter. (On debutant Nishan Peris) He is doing well in domestics, he's tall and gets good bounce. The team is feeling good," de Silva said at the toss.

New Zealand captain Tim Southee, speaking after him, added:

"You come to this part of the world and want to bat first but we got a good chance in the last Test. We back the guys to improve on last week's performance. We want to improve in all areas and because the last Test was the first in a while, find some consistency."

Southee struck in the first over by getting Pathum Nissanka out.

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