New Zealand's opening batsmen, Devon Conway and Tom Latham, delivered a masterclass in patience and dominance, ruthlessly dismantling the West Indies bowling attack on the opening day of the third and final Test at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval on Thursday. The duo constructed a colossal 323-run partnership, propelling the hosts to a commanding position at 334 for the loss of just one wicket by stumps.
Historic Partnership Puts New Zealand in Firm Control
The left-handed pair batted through the majority of the day, barely offering a chance to the visiting bowlers. Their monumental stand now stands as New Zealand's second-highest opening partnership in Test history, only behind the 387-run effort by Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis against the same opposition in Georgetown back in 1972. Furthermore, this marks only the eighth instance of a 300-plus run partnership for the Black Caps in the longest format of the game.
Conway, displaying immense concentration, remained unbeaten on a magnificent 178 runs from 279 deliveries, an innings decorated with 25 boundaries. This knock represents his sixth Test century and his first on home soil since January 2022. At the other end, captain Tom Latham played the perfect foil, scoring a fluent 137 runs off 264 balls, which included 15 fours and a six, before being dismissed late in the day. This was Latham's 15th Test hundred.
West Indies Bowlers Toil on Unresponsive Pitch
The West Indies attack struggled for penetration on a pitch that offered little assistance initially, despite its green tinge. Their only success came through the experienced Kemar Roach, who finished with figures of 1 for 63 from 17 overs. The tourists' sole opportunity to break the stand earlier came when wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach dropped Latham off Anderson Phillip's bowling when the batsman was on 104.
West Indies skipper Roston Chase, who admitted he would have bowled first had he won the toss, turned to his own off-spin as early as the 22nd over. He remained skeptical about the pitch offering significant turn later in the match, a prospect the New Zealand team is banking on after recalling spinner Ajaz Patel for his first home Test in five years.
Series Context and Team Changes
New Zealand leads the three-match series 1-0, having drawn the first Test in Christchurch and secured a convincing nine-wicket win in Wellington. The hosts made two changes: Patel replaced pacer Kyle Jamieson, and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell returned from injury. The West Indies made one forced change, with batsman Alick Athanaze coming in for the injured fast bowler Ojay Shields.
With nightwatchman Jacob Duffy (9*) accompanying the set Conway at the crease, New Zealand is perfectly placed to build an enormous first-innings total on day two, aiming to seal the series decisively.
