Tom Latham’s unbeaten ton and his century stand with Ross Taylor laid a solid foundation for New Zealand before rain brought an early close of play on Day 1 of the second Test against England in Hamilton on Friday.
Latham was batting on 101 when the rain swept in just three deliveries after the resumption of play from the Tea break.
It was the left-handed opener’s 11th century and lifted him to equal sixth on the Black Caps century-makers list headed by captain Kane Williamson with 20.
Williamson, however, was off his best this innings as he was dismissed for four by Chris Woakes after Jeet Raval was removed for five.
But from two for 39, Latham and Taylor added a 116-run partnership for the third wicket before Taylor got out for 53 with New Zealand three for 155.
Earlier, England skipper Joe Root won the toss and put New Zealand in to bat, citing Seddon Park’s history of favoring the side bowling first.
But after the cheap wickets of Raval and Williamson, it was the batting of Latham and Taylor that dominated for nearly 34 overs.
Latham hit 15 fours in his fifth hundred off last ten innings while Taylor faced 100 balls for his half-century, which included eight boundaries.
Here are some of the Twitter reactions:
That's Tom Latham's fifth test century in his last 10 innings, one of which was a double #NZvENG
— Guy Heveldt (@GuyHeveldt) November 29, 2019
In the past 3 years, there have been 17 players open the batting at least 20 times in tests. 16 of them average less than 42.
The other, Tom Latham, averages 59.92 in that time. #NZvEng
— Michael Wagener (@Mykuhl) November 29, 2019
Hats off Tommy 🎩 Test century number 1️⃣1️⃣ 👏👏👏#NZvENG #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/V8whdXcfuk
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 29, 2019
Tom Latham 📈#NZvENG #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/Gi1EAMo7NT
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 29, 2019
Tom Latham reaches a fine century. Well batted. #NZvENG
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) November 29, 2019
Most hundreds by a test opener since last year:-
5 – TOM LATHAM
3 – Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma
2 – Kraigg Brathwaite, Dean Elgar, Dimuth Karunaratne, Aiden Markram, Kusal Mendis#NZvENG #stats— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) November 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/Pacebouncy/status/1200242005147815939
Tom Latham in his last 10 test innings:
Runs – 953.
Average – 119.12.
Fifties – ZERO.
Centuries – 5.
Highest Score – 264*.No one has scored more runs and hit more centuries than Tom Latham in last 12 months, but just like any other kiwi cricketer he's hardly been recognised. pic.twitter.com/g2QIn78Dg7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/anukuldas1800/status/1200246888026361857
Tom Latham's last 10 Test innings:
100*
8
154
45
30
4
161
176
10
264*Man in form.#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/gv1qwKDYiO
— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) November 29, 2019
