By Admin 
NZ vs WI Test: New Zealand’s reliable opener Tom Latham made a spectacular comeback in the Christchurch Test and achieved a feat for which he had been waiting for almost three years. After a long wait of 1073 days, i.e. almost three years and 39 innings, Latham’s bat finally spoke. He presented an excellent example of patience and technique in the second innings against West Indies and completed the 14th Test century of his career.
The special thing about this century was that it was his first Test century against the West Indies. That means, in a single innings, Latham achieved two big achievements, ending a long drought and starting a century against a new team.
How Latham’s century was made?
The New Zealand team, which came on the field with a lead in the second innings, had a strong start. Latham and fellow opener Devon Conway gave a great start to the hosts by adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Even after Conway was out, Latham did not lose his patience. Just before the tea break on the third day, he completed his century in 179 balls. During this, he hit 9 fours and remained firmly at one end.
This innings of Latham was very important for New Zealand’s strategy, because with it the team took a strong hold on the match. His partnership with Rachin Ravindra before his century also proved to be a bonus for New Zealand.
Journey of 14 centuries
Looking at Latham’s record of total 14 Test centuries, it shows that he has been very successful in subcontinent and Asian conditions. He has scored maximum 4 centuries against Sri Lanka. He has 3 centuries each against Pakistan and Bangladesh, 2 against Zimbabwe and now 1 century each against England and West Indies.
Interestingly, he has not yet scored a Test century against big teams like India, Australia and South Africa. However, the chances have definitely been stacked against him.