Latham likes what he sees in Conway
Black Caps interim captain Tom Latham has seen a fair bit in the game as he prepares to play his 100th ODI against Bangladesh in Dunedin today.
The 28-year-old has had a frontrow seat for most of Kane Williamson’s career, watching the injured skipper amass more than 6000 runs in the 50-over format.
However, as the Black Caps prepare to enter a three-game ODI series without the man who has anchored so many of their innings, Latham see similar qualities in debutant Devon Conway.
“He definitely does,” Latham said yesterday. “Obviously in the last few seasons he has scored a truckload of runs in all formats for Wellington.
“And we’ve seen this year when he’s come into the side [Black Caps], he’s made every post a winner in terms of the T20 games.’’
It’s a big compliment for Conway, who will make his debut alongside Will Young and all-rounder Daryl Mitchell today.
Opportunity will knock for that trio against a Bangladesh side that has never won in New Zealand.
Yet, the injection of new faces also emphasises the role Latham has to play, and the 28-year-old admitted he would like to put together some compelling ODI form as a way to force his way back into the T20 reckoning with a World Cup to be held later this year.
“I’d love to play T20 cricket,” Latham said. “Being injured this year was a bit disappointing but that’s cricket.
“At the moment I’m focused on what I have to do with the one-day side and if that happens with the T20 side I’d love the opportunity to play.”
For that to happen, the compact left-hander may have to display an increased ability to score runs quickly. It’s not that he doesn’t have that ability in his locker, but he indicated that picking the right time to unleash that “power game” was something he was working on even as he discussed his improvements over the years.
“Experience is the big one,” said Latham. “I hadn’t played a huge amount of domestic cricket when I made my debut.
“To play the amount of international cricket I have I’ve probably gained the experience in situations.
“My role has been slightly different
in this side over the past three or four years.
“Being able to adapt in different situations is the biggest thing I’ve had to learn.’’
Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal
Saturday, March 20, 2021 does not expect the Black Caps to have it all their own way in the opening game of the three-match series.
The Tigers have a rough record in New Zealand and the chill in Dunedin yesterday suggested that conditions might not suit them, but the tourists and are looking forward to unleashing some newer players of their own after preparing well in Queenstown.
“We’ve got a solid fast-bowling attack this time,” Tamim said. “We’ve got a few young bowlers who I’m excited to see.
“They have been doing exceptionally well in the practice games. I’m excited for them.’’