A Sri Lankan reporter has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for writing articles critical of the government's military operations.

Ross Taylor says the Black Caps need to be more proactive when they bat to save the match.

At stumps on day two of the second test New Zealand were in a predicament reminiscent of last week's first test in Galle.

Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori is just two wickets away from joining test cricket's 300/3000 club.