New Zealand are primed to carry out another salvage operation at the Basin Reserve almost a year after finding themselves in a similar position against India.

The hosts begin day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka with a 113-run deficit after Kumar Sangakkara’s sublime 203 gave the tourists a healthy lead as they seek to square the two-Test series.

The Black Caps will start the day on 22-0 with openers Hamish Rutherford and Tom Latham looking to capitalise on a pitch offering little sideways help for the pacemen.

Last February they conceded a 246-run lead to India before a heroic triple century from Brendon McCullum helped New Zealand to a record 680-8dec, saving the Test and securing the series.

With the new ball already 11 overs old, Watling believes batting will become easier as the Test wears on.

“There hasn’t been that much swing, it’s more the seam and with the newer ball there’s a little bit there, but it’s getting easier to bat.

“Hopefully days three and four are good batting days and we can cash in.”

New Zealand had begun day two seeking to claim the last five visitors’ wickets quickly, but were thwarted by a defiant Sangakkara who shared in a series of valuable partnerships en route to his 11th double ton and a useful lead.

“It’s not an ideal position now but we’ve got a bit of work to do to show a bit of fight and eke out way back into this Test,” the wicketkeeper said.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s a big first session and hopefully the openers get through and we can show a bit of fight.”

Sangakkara who spent nearly seven hours in the middle, expects spinner Rangana Herath, who has 31 wickets in five Tests against New Zealand, to play a major role over the coming days.

“There was a bit of turn though there isn’t a huge amount of rough.

“It’s going to be a team effort. It’s not just going to be Herath or one fast bowler. We need to work in partnerships and really build pressure,” he said.