Devon Conway, Tom Latham shatter multiple records against West Indies
What's the story
Dominant centuries from openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham helped New Zealand shine on Day 1 of the 3rd Test against the West Indies at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The duo stitched a 323-run partnership for the opening wicket, setting new records for the Kiwis. Their stellar performances guided the hosts to a total of 334/1 by stumps on Day 1.
Dominance
Latham, Conway frustrate WI bowlers
Both Latham and Conway were all over the Windies after the hosts elected to bat first. The stand continued to grow and lasted until the final minutes of Day 1. While Conway was the aggressor, Latham played a patient innings. He scored a 246-ball 137 (15 fours and 1 six) before falling to Kemar Roach in the 87th over. Meanwhile, Conway returned unbeaten on 178 (279). He has hit 25 fours as of now.
Numbers
Substantial tons from the duo
According to ESPNcricinfo, Latham became the fourth NZ player with 15-plus tons in Test cricket, joining Kane Williamson (33), Ross Taylor (19), and Martin Crowe (17). In 91 Tests, Latham has racked up 6,160 runs at an average of 39.23. His tally also includes 31 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Conway raced to his sixth Test century. He has over 2,375 Test runs with an average of 42-plus.
Partnership
Record opening stand for NZ
Latham and Conway recorded the second-highest opening partnership for New Zealand in Test cricket. Their 323 is only behind the 387-run stand between Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis against West Indies in Georgetown in 1972. Notably, Latham and Conway also stitched the highest Test opening partnership in New Zealand, surpassing 276 (in 1930 and in 1999).
Feats
More records shattered by the duo
Latham and Conway registered their second 150-plus opening partnership in Tests. They also added 183 runs against Pakistan in the 2022 Karachi Test. Notably, the duo matched the record set by John Wright and Trevor Franklin. Latham and Conway also tallied the fourth 100-plus opening stand in Tests, the second-most for the Kiwis after Wright and Franklin (5).
Do you know?
Most successful opening pair for NZ in Tests
Latham and Conway are now the most successful opening pair for New Zealand in Test cricket. They have 1,721 runs at 40.02 between them. The duo overtook Wright and Bruce Edgar, who shared 1,655 runs in 56 innings.