The Black Caps are in a strong position as they near the end of the first day in their test against Sri Lanka at University Oval.

Just a short time ago Martin Guptill was closing in on 150.

He opened with Tom Latham, after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first.

Captain Brendon McCullum made a quick-fire 75, in front of a crowd of thousands.

Forecast rain hasn't eventuated, to the delight of local fans.

There were just over 10 overs left to go in the day, with the score nearing 400 for 6.