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Alex Chapman: The 'ironic' opening stand of Conway and Latham
Alex Chapman •  December 19th, 2025 7:27 am
Devon Conway and Tom Latham | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Alanis Morissette won’t be needed here - though it does fall into the category of rain on a wedding day, or a free ride when you’ve already paid - of the ironic position that the Blackcaps find themselves in after day one of the third Test against the West Indies.
All of the talk going into the match was about the make-up of the New Zealand bowling attack; would it be Kristian Clarke, or Ajaz Patel? And so, perhaps there was, and suitably so, surprise, that when Roston Chase called incorrectly, Tom Latham chose to bat first.
That, by the way, was a decision that none of the last four full-time New Zealand Test captains ever made in Aotearoa.
And he led from the front and weathered the early storm.
Devon Conway brings up his century in the third Test against the West Indies at Bay Oval | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
Of course, there was going to be a period of persistence and patience, as the Windies tried to utilise the conditions. Conway even conceded last night that he told Latham at lunch that he felt like he’d forgotten how to bat in the first session.
But once the sun came out - and the pitch changed from emerald to eucalyptus - they put together a partnership that will take a while to forget.
Such was their scoring rate, they denied the tourists a maiden in the second session, and went 35 overs without one.
They relentlessly turned over the strike, left with disdain, drove with dominance, flicked with flair, and cut with the assertion and precision that would get them a job wrapping presents at Bayfair shopping centre.
Devon Conway and Tom Latham pick up centuries on opening day of third Test vs West Indies | Sport Nation Cricket
Such was the visitors' frustration, their skipper was at one stage seen biting his hat while the Blackcaps took part in an early Christmas feast.
And with it, it was records, not crumbs, that fell.
Their 323-run opening stand is the highest for a New Zealand pair in 53 years, second highest of all time, and eighth-largest for any wicket for those who have worn the black cap.
On an international scale, it’s the 12th biggest of all nations for opening pairs, and hilariously, they made Kane Williamson wait the longest he’s had to for a bat. Those are just a small sampling.
So, there’s no ten thousand spoons, a black fly in a chardonnay, but whoever did offer the free advice, Tom Latham will be thrilled it’s some that he did in fact take.
Tune into The Opening Stand with Alex Chapman - 9am weekdays (10am Sat/Sun) on Sport Nation ahead of each day's play during the Blackcaps vs West Indies Test series.
Devon Conway at stumps after a dominant Day 1 at Bay Oval | Sport Nation Cricket
