Tom Latham becomes fifth NZ batter to register 6,000 Test runs

Christchurch [New Zealand], December 4 (ANI): New Zealand batter Tom Latham completed 6,000 runs in Tests, becoming the fifth Kiwi batter to enter the 6,000-run or more club.

Latham, the skipper, achieved this milestone during his side's first Test against the West Indies at Christchurch. In the match, after a 24-run knock in the first innings, Latham made a classy 145 in 250 balls, with 12 fours.

Now in 89 Tests, Latham has scored 6,003 runs at an average of 38.98, with 14 centuries and 31 fifties, and a best score of 264*. He is the fifth-highest run-getter of all time for the Kiwis in the longest format.

The right-handed batting star Kane Williamson is the the top-run-getter in Tests for the Kiwis, with 9.337 runs in 106 Tests at an average of 54.60, with 33 centuries and 38 fifties and a best score of 251.

At stumps on Day 3, New Zealand were at 417/4 in 95 overs and are leading by 481 runs. Michael Bracewell (6) and Will Young (21) are unbeaten.

Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra stitched a massive 279-run partnership for the third-wicket in the second innings of New Zealand. West Indies merely went through their defence, and both Kiwi batters looked solid at the crease.

Their partnership was also New Zealand's highest partnership against West Indies since 1987 - surpassing Martin Crowe and John Wright's 241-run stand.

Ravindra started his innings under a cloud of uncertainty. On eight runs, the left-handed batter was lucky after Kemar Roach almost took a one-handed blinder at the mid-wicket region. The New Zealand batter Ravindra had luck with himself after Kavem Hodge put down a simple catch, when he was batting on 14 runs. Ravindra's luck continues when a thick edge flew over the slips.

But once Rachin survived, the southpaw raced away to 176 off 185 deliveries, including 27 fours and one six. Rachin was knocked over late in the day by an Ojay Shields yorker. Captain Tom Latham played a fantastic knock of 145 runs off 250 deliveries, with the help of 12 fours.

Devon Conway (37 off 48 balls, including seven fours) failed to convert his start. Kane Williams (9) got out cheaply in the second innings.

By stumps on Day 3, New Zealand had added 395 to lead by 481. For the record, the West Indies will have to achieve the highest successful chase to win at Hagley Oval. Previously, 285 was the highest fourth-innings score chased down at this venue.

After being asked to bat first, A half-century from Williamson was the highlight of New Zealand's first innings; the hosts were bundled out for 231 after a comprehensive bowling performance by the West Indies.

Kemar Roach (2/47), Jayden Seales (2/44), Johann Layne (1/47), Ojay Shields (2/34), Justin Greaves (2/35), and captain Roston Chase (1/13) were among the wicket-takers for West Indies in the first innings.

In response, the Visitors were all out for 167. Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52) and Shai Hope (56) scored fighting half-centuries for West Indies in the first innings.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy (5/34) picked up a five-wicket haul. Matt Henry (3/43) and Zakary Foulkes (2/32) took wickets that helped the hosts gain a 64-run lead. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)