Century-maker Latham joins elite company At a glance
Just five years and 45 matches into his test cricket career, Tom Latham already ranks among New Zealand’s top-seven centurymakers.
It’s some feat given the names he’s already left in his wake on the charts: Stephen Fleming (9), Glenn Turner, Andrew Jones and Bevan Congdon (all 7).
Latham’s determined knock in Colombo’s heat and high humidity, under pressure from Sri Lanka’s spinners and close catchers on an increasingly turning day three pitch, was among his best on Saturday.
It was the left-handed opener’s 10th century in just his 79th innings, a much-needed one with his side in a tricky spot in the second test. His unbeaten 111 guided the Black Caps to 196-4 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings of 244 with two days to play.
John Wright’s 5334 runs at 37.82 and 12 centuries are the most by a New Zealand test opener. Latham now sits second on the opener’s century charts, his average ticking up over 44 at stumps on day three when he Most test centuries for NZ:
■ 20: Kane Williamson (74 tests) ■ 18: Ross Taylor (94)
■ 17: Martin Crowe (77)
■ 12: John Wright (82)
■ 12: Brendon McCullum (101)
■ 11: Nathan Astle (81)
■ 10: Tom Latham (45)
For the latest on the second test, go to stuff.co.nz
remained unbeaten.
Few New Zealand test openers have tasted extended success at the top level, showing how tough an assignment it can be.
Turner was the benchmark, averaging 44.64 from 41 tests and scoring all seven of his centuries at the top of the order. Latham’s similar numbers put him in esteemed company.
The next openers on the century list are Bert Sutcliffe, Mark Richardson and Matt Horne who all scored four (Sutcliffe notched a fifth century down the order).
Sutcliffe averaged 45.20 from 23 tests as an opener, Richardson also a world-class 44.77 from 38 tests and Horne 28.38 from 35.
Now looms the ultimate test for Latham in the upcoming six months with seven tests against the Big Three: England (two at home), Australia (three away) and India (two at home). Latham is yet to score a century against any of them.
Against three of the strongest pace attacks around it will show how far Latham’s game has progressed, having proved himself adept against spin and capable of handling a barrage and digging in for long periods.
The Boxing Day test in Melbourne looms as the highlight and the old rule of thumb will ring true: score big runs in Australia’s backyard and the ‘worldclass’ tag is guaranteed.