Tom Latham swear Devin Conway The pair created one of the greatest opening partnerships in New Zealand Test history, rewriting the record books with a record-breaking 317 runs against England on the first day of the series, which culminates in the decisive third Test at Trent Bridge on Thursday.The pair became the first duo in New Zealand Test cricket history to score more than 300 runs together against England, surpassing the previous best of 276 set by Stewie Dempster and Jackie Mills in Wellington in 1930.In fact, Dempster and Mills were the only New Zealand pair to score over 200 runs in a Test match against England before Latham and Conway excelled. The Trent Bridge Masterclass not only exceeded this milestone but set a new benchmark in the competition.Huge partnership finally broken as England captain Ben Stokes Latham produced an outside advantage and goalkeeper Jamie Smith completed the catch. Latham hit 151 off 214 balls with 15 boundaries, ending a partnership that had left England’s bowlers tired and frustrated.
Second-highest partnership in away Tests in New Zealand
Latham and Conway’s 317-run partnership is now the second-highest wicket-taking combination in an away Test match in New Zealand. Only the 387-run opening between Terry Jarvis and Glenn Turner against the West Indies at Georgetown in 1972 was higher.The pair also created New Zealand’s highest opening partnership in Tests in England and joined the elite list of New Zealand opening pairs to cross the 200-run mark in the longest format.Conway, who was dismissed by Joe Root in the next over, showed dominance by scoring 157 runs in 224 deliveries with 22 fours and 3 sixes. The left-hander showed complete control throughout, combining elegant batting skills with patience on a calm Trent Bridge surface.
England leave looking for answers
With the series tied at 1-1, New Zealand captain Latham’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved inspiring.England’s attack, which featured the returning Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, offered little help from the flat pitch in unseasonably hot conditions. Stokes was the only bowler who kept asking questions of the batsmen and finally achieved a breakthrough after suffering over 72 overs of frustration.Despite the absence of key players Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand continued their momentum in the opening game after a huge win in the second Test.For Latham, it was his 17th Test century and a timely return to form after a series of lulls. For Conway (No. 800), it was another reminder of his ability to perform well on the biggest stage.
