Latham hauls New Zealand back into 2nd Test against Australia

Christchurch, New Zealand, AFP: A timely return to form by New Zealand opener Tom Latham hauled the Black Caps back into the second Test against Australia Saturday as they overhauled a 94-run deficit to lead by 40 at stumps.

Latham, dropped by Alex Carey on 59, was unbeaten on 65 in New Zealand’s second innings at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval exactly a year after his last half-century against Sri Lanka at the same ground. Following the early dismissal of Will Young for one, Latham and Kane Williamson put on a partnership of 105 for the second wicket.

Williamson, celebrating his 100th Test, reached his half-century with a single off Mitchell Starc, but faced only two more balls before he edged a Pat Cummins delivery onto his middle stump. At the close, New Zealand were 134 for two with Rachin Ravindra not out 11 alongside Latham.

Australia were all out midway through the day with Marnus Labuschagne’s masterful 90 laying the foundation for their first innings 256 in reply to New Zealand’s 162.

With the pitch becoming more benign than it was when 21 wickets fell in the first five sessions, Latham and Williamson produced a moraleboosting century stand for New Zealand, who had struggled against Australia’s intimidating attack.

Australia have also had their batting issues, but Labuschagne found some form after a string of single-digit performances to anchor their innings. Their second-highest scorer was paceman Mitchell Starc with 28 and behind Cameron Green’s 25 was 23 from Pat Cummins. Cummins’ innings included some big blows, including three fours and a six off successive deliveries from Ben Sears.