Tom Latham and Devon Conway produced one of the greatest opening partnerships in New Zealand’s Test history, writing the record books with a monumental 317 runs against England on Day 1 of the decisive third Test at Trent Bridge on Thursday.The pair became the first New Zealand opening duo to register more than 300 partnerships against England in Test cricket history, surpassing the previous best of 276 set by Stewie Dempster and Jackie Mills in Wellington in 1930.In fact, before Latham and Conway’s heroics, Dempster and Mills were the only New Zealand opening pair to score more than 200 against England in Tests. The Trent Bridge Masterclass not only eclipsed that landmark, but also set a new benchmark in the rivalry.The mammoth partnership was finally broken when the England captain Ben Stokes induced an outside edge to Latham and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith completed the catch. Latham went for a superb 151 off 214 balls, garnished with 15 boundaries, ending a partnership that left England’s bowlers exhausted and frustrated.
Second highest partnership for New Zealand in away Tests
Latham and Conway’s 317-leading stand is now the second-highest partnership for any New Zealand wicket in an away Test match. It is topped only by the 387 runs between Terry Jarvis and Glenn Turner against the West Indies at Georgetown in 1972.The pair also recorded New Zealand’s highest Test opening partnership in England and joined an elite list of Kiwi opening combinations to pass the 200-run mark in the longest format.Conway was then dismissed by Joe Root in the next over as he departed after a mammoth 157 off 224 deliveries, having hit 22 fours and three sixes in a dominant display. The left-hander looked in complete control, combining elegant play with patience on the calm surface of Trent Bridge.
England went looking for answers
With the series level at 1-1, New Zealand captain Latham’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved inspired.England’s attack, with Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson returning, had little help from the flat pitch in unusually hot conditions. Stokes was the lone bowler who kept asking the batsmen questions and eventually made a breakthrough after more than 72 overs of frustration.The opening stand continued New Zealand’s momentum after their convincing win in the second Test despite the absence of key players Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson.For Latham, it was his 17th Test century and a timely return to form after a quiet series. For Conway (8th 100th), it was another reminder of his ability to score big on the biggest stages.
