New Zealand demolish Sri Lanka for 154

SYDNEY, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka collapsed to 154 all out after winning the toss at tea on the first day of the opening test against New Zealand in Christchurch today.

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond took three early wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 77 for three at lunch and seamer James Franklin claimed three victims in the afternoon to put the touring side in deep trouble.

Bond had Sanath Jayasuriya caught by Stephen Fleming at first slip for five and Kumar Sangakkara taken by Mathew Sinclair at third slip for four to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 17 for two.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, on eight, pulled Bond straight into James Franklin's hands at fine leg to reduce the touring side to 37 for three.

Opener Upul Tharanga batted throughout the first session in overcast conditions to be 27 not out at the interval but he did not last long afterwards, well caught in the gully by Jamie How off Franklin for 33.

Chamara Silva survived just three balls on his test debut before he was bowled by Franklin for a duck and Chamara Kapugedera, on 37, was trapped lbw by Franklin not offering a shot.

Jacob Oram removed Chaminda Vaas for four, caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum, and Prasanna Jayawardene was neatly pouched low down by How at third slip off Chris Martin, the seamer's 100th test wicket.

Farveez Maharoof briefly raised Sri Lankan spirits when he pulled Oram for a huge six but the New Zealand all-rounder got his revenge with the next ball when the batsman, on 15, edged the ball to Fleming at first slip.

Sri Lanka's last-wicket pair of Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga played a few attacking shots in a partnership of 22 before Muralitharan was caught by Nathan Astle at point off Martin for 14. Malinga was left unbeaten on seven.

Bond completed figures of three for 43, Franklin three for 30, Martin two for 37 and Oram two for 30.

REUTERS PM VC0910