Tom Latham is celebrated as one of the finest batters in New Zealand’s Test cricket history. Known for his composure and adaptability, Latham has consistently delivered under pressure, playing pivotal innings in challenging conditions against formidable bowling line-ups.
The wicketkeeper-batter made his Test debut in 2014 against India in Wellington. Since then, he has become an indispensable part of New Zealand’s Test squad, excelling in both home and away conditions. His ability to anchor the innings and counter diverse bowling attacks has been instrumental in several memorable victories for his team.
A left-handed batter, Latham has accumulated an impressive 5,518 runs in 82 Test matches to date. His record includes 13 centuries and 29 half-centuries, with a solid average of 39.41. This remarkable consistency places him as the fifth-highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test cricket, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
5. 161 vs Bangladesh, 2019
Latham played a terrific knock of 161 against Bangladesh in Hamilton in March 2019. Batting first, Bangladesh made 234 runs after opener Tamim Iqbal played a gritty knock of 126 runs. In reply, Kane Williamson slammed 200* and opener Latham ransacked 161 off 248 balls. These knocks from the two senior batters powered the Kiwis to 715/6d. Bangladesh scored 429 runs in their second innings and suffered a defeat by an innings and 52 runs.
4. Tom Latham in test cricket:
Against Sri Lanka in Christchurch in December 2018, Latham registered a match-winning century. Batting first, New Zealand were all out for 178 runs after Suranga Lakmal bagged five wickets.
In reply, Sri Lanka were bundled out for an even lower total of 104 runs as speedster Trent Boult claimed six wickets.
In the hosts’ second innings, Latham showcased his class with a stunning knock of 176 runs off 370 balls, which propelled New Zealand to 585/4d. The Black Caps set a huge target of 660 for Sri Lanka, who were bundled for 236 and lost the match by a margin of 423 runs.
3. 177 vs Bangladesh, 2017
During the Wellington test against Bangladesh in January 2017, Tom Latham played a splendid innings. Batting first, Bangladesh declared at 595/8 after veteran batters Shakib Al Hasan (217) and Mushfiqur Rahim (159) played magnificent knocks. In reply, Latham played a marathon knock of 177 runs off 329 deliveries, with 18 fours and one maximum. New Zealand made 539 runs in their first innings. Bangladesh were then bundled out for 160 in their second innings and set a target of 217 runs for New Zealand. While chasing, Kane Williamson slammed an unbeaten century and took his side over the line with seven wickets in hand. Latham was adjudged the Player of the Match for his glorious knock.
2. 252 vs Bangladesh, 2022
Tom Latham’s second-highest score came during the Christchurch test match against Sri Lanka in January 2022. Batting first, Latham played a mammoth knock of 252 off 373 balls, with 34 fours and two sixes. Latham’s double century powered his side to 521/6d. In reply, Bangladesh were bundled out for 126 and 278 (following on) in both innings. The visitors lost the match by an innings and 117 runs. Latham was named Player of the Match for his outstanding 252-run knock.
1. 264 vs Sri Lanka, 2018
Tom Latham recorded his highest score in test cricket during the first test match against Sri Lanka in Wellington in December 2018. Batting first, Sri Lanka made 282 runs as Angelo Mathews (83) and Niroshan Dickwella (80) played crucial knocks. Then, Latham slammed an unbeaten 264 off 489 deliveries, a knock that included 21 fours and one maximum. The match was drawn after Sri Lanka scored 287/3 in their second innings. Latham was adjudged Player of the Match for his innings of 264
