Tom Latham Achieves 6,000 Test Runs Milestone in Christchurch
Latham Joins Elite Club of Kiwi Batters
In Christchurch, New Zealand, on December 4, Tom Latham, the New Zealand cricket team captain, reached a significant career milestone by scoring his 6,000th run in Test matches. This achievement places him among the elite group of five Kiwi players who have surpassed the 6,000-run mark.
During the first Test against the West Indies, Latham contributed 24 runs in the first innings and followed it up with an impressive 145 runs off 250 balls, hitting 12 boundaries.
Having played 89 Tests, Latham's current tally stands at 6,003 runs, averaging 38.98, with 14 centuries and 31 fifties, and a personal best of 264 not out. He ranks as the fifth-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test history.
Kane Williamson leads the pack with 9,337 runs from 106 Tests, boasting an average of 54.60, including 33 centuries and 38 fifties, with a top score of 251.
As Day 3 concluded, New Zealand was positioned at 417 for 4 in 95 overs, holding a commanding lead of 481 runs. Michael Bracewell and Will Young remained not out at 6 and 21, respectively.
Latham and Rachin Ravindra formed a formidable partnership, adding 279 runs for the third wicket in the second innings. The West Indies struggled to break through their defenses, with both batters appearing solid at the crease.
This partnership marked New Zealand's highest against the West Indies since 1987, surpassing the previous record of 241 runs set by Martin Crowe and John Wright.
Ravindra faced early challenges, narrowly escaping a catch from Kemar Roach when he was on eight runs. He was also fortunate when Kavem Hodge dropped a simple catch at 14 runs. However, once settled, Ravindra accelerated to score 176 runs off 185 balls, including 27 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Ojay Shields.
Latham's remarkable innings of 145 runs came from 250 balls, featuring 12 boundaries. Devon Conway added 37 runs from 48 balls, while Kane Williamson managed only 9 runs in the second innings.
By the end of Day 3, New Zealand had amassed 395 runs in their second innings, leading by 481 runs. The West Indies face the daunting task of achieving the highest successful chase at Hagley Oval, where the previous record for a fourth-innings chase was 285 runs.
In their first innings, New Zealand struggled, with Williamson's half-century being the highlight as they were bowled out for 231, thanks to a strong bowling display from the West Indies.
Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Johann Layne, Ojay Shields, Justin Greaves, and captain Roston Chase all contributed to the wicket tally in New Zealand's first innings.
The West Indies, in response, were all out for 167, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Shai Hope scoring 52 and 56 runs, respectively. Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul (5/34) was instrumental in securing a 64-run lead for New Zealand, supported by Matt Henry and Zakary Foulkes.