Tom Latham Achieves Milestone as New Zealand Dominates West Indies in Test Match
Latham Reaches 6,000 Test Runs
Tom Latham, the New Zealand captain, has reached a significant milestone by scoring 6,000 runs in Test cricket, becoming the fifth player from New Zealand to achieve this feat. He accomplished this during the first Test against the West Indies held in Christchurch. In the match, Latham contributed 24 runs in the first innings and followed it up with an impressive 145 runs off 250 balls, hitting 12 boundaries.
Latham's Impressive Test Statistics
Having played 89 Tests, Latham has amassed a total of 6,003 runs, maintaining an average of 38.98. His record includes 14 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a personal best score of 264*. 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, averaging 54.60, including 33 centuries and 38 fifties, with a top score of 251.
New Zealand's Dominance on Day 3
At the end of Day 3, New Zealand stood at 417 for 4 after 95 overs, boasting a commanding lead of 481 runs. Michael Bracewell and Will Young remained not out at 6 and 21 runs, respectively.
Record Partnership Between Latham and Ravindra
In the second innings, Latham and Rachin Ravindra formed a remarkable partnership, adding 279 runs for the third wicket. The West Indies bowlers struggled to penetrate their defense, with both batsmen appearing solid at the crease.
This partnership marks 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 some early challenges, narrowly escaping a catch from Kemar Roach when he was on eight runs. He was also fortunate when Kavem Hodge dropped a straightforward catch at 14 runs.
Once settled, Ravindra accelerated his scoring, finishing with 176 runs off 185 balls, including 27 fours and a six, before being dismissed by an Ojay Shields yorker.
Latham's innings of 145 runs came off 250 balls, featuring 12 boundaries.
Day 3 Summary
Devon Conway contributed 37 runs from 48 balls, hitting seven fours, but could not convert his start into a bigger score. Kane Williamson was dismissed cheaply for 9 runs.
By the end of Day 3, New Zealand had added 395 runs to their total, leading by 481 runs. The West Indies will need to achieve the highest successful chase in history at Hagley Oval to win, as the previous record for a fourth-innings chase at this venue is 285 runs.
First Innings Overview
In their first innings, New Zealand struggled, with Williamson's half-century being the standout performance as they were bowled out for 231. The West Indies bowlers, including Kemar Roach (2/47), Jayden Seales (2/44), Johann Layne (1/47), Ojay Shields (2/34), Justin Greaves (2/35), and captain Roston Chase (1/13), delivered a strong performance.
The West Indies, in reply, were all out for 167 runs, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52) and Shai Hope (56) providing resistance. Jacob Duffy was the star for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets for 34 runs, while Matt Henry (3/43) and Zakary Foulkes (2/32) also contributed to the team's 64-run lead.