Devon Conway and Tom Latham delivered a batting masterclass on the opening day of the third and final Test, sharing a monumental 323-run opening partnership to put New Zealand firmly in control against the West Indies at the Bay Oval on Thursday.
Their centuries laid the foundation for a dominant day, with the Black Caps closing at an imposing 334 for 1, firmly eyeing a massive first-innings total.
A Partnership for the Record Books
The 323-run stand was the second-highest opening partnership in New Zealand’s Test history, bettered only by Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis’ 387 against the West Indies in Georgetown in 1972. It was also just the eighth 300-plus partnership ever recorded by New Zealand in Test cricket.
Conway was unbeaten on 178 at stumps, having batted through all three sessions, while skipper Latham fell late in the day for 137, finally breaking a stand that had completely blunted the West Indies attack.
Conway’s Authority, Latham’s Composure
Conway’s innings was a model of control and concentration. Facing 279 deliveries, the left-hander mixed patience with authority, bringing up his sixth Test century from 147 balls. His knock included 25 boundaries and marked his first home Test hundred since January 2022.
Latham’s contribution was no less impressive. His 15th Test hundred came from 264 balls and featured 15 fours and a six, anchoring the innings while allowing Conway to bat with increasing freedom.
West Indies Miss Chances, Lose Control
The West Indies bowlers struggled to apply sustained pressure, particularly after the initial movement with the new ball faded. Their best opportunity came late in the day when Latham, on 104, was dropped by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach off Anderson Phillip, with New Zealand cruising at 253 without loss.
Kemar Roach was the lone bright spot, claiming 1 for 63 from 17 overs, though he left the field briefly due to what team management described as a minor niggle. Assistant coach Rayon Griffith struck a measured tone at the close of play.
It's a tough day. It's cricket, that's how it goes sometimes. You have tough times and sometimes you have some easier days. Devon and Tom played well. The partnership they put on sets the game up for New Zealand, but it's still in progress.
Pitch, Tactics and What Lies Ahead
Latham’s decision to bat first was vindicated on a surface that showed early greenness but is expected to offer more assistance to spin as the match progresses. Despite scepticism from West Indies captain Roston Chase about deterioration, he turned to off-spin after just 22 overs, eventually bowling 19 overs on the day.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will be encouraged by conditions when it’s their turn to bowl, especially after handing Ajaz Patel his first home Test appearance in five years. Nightwatchman Jacob Duffy safely negotiated the final moments of the day to finish on nine not out.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 334/1 (90 overs) Devon Conway 178* , Tom Latham 137, Kemar Roach 1–63 vs West Indies.
