Can New Zealand's Openers Set New Test Records Against West Indies?

New Zealand's Tom Latham and Devon Conway have made history by becoming the first opening pair in Test cricket to score centuries in both innings of a match, setting the West Indies a daunting target of 462 runs in the third Test at Mount Maunganui. Latham's scores of 137 and 101, combined with Conway's remarkable 227 and subsequent 100, have put the Kiwis in a commanding position with a series victory within reach.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of day four, New Zealand leads the match with a commanding position after declaring their second innings at 306 for 2. This leaves West Indies needing a monumental 462 runs to win, a target that challenges even the most resilient teams. While the West Indies finished the day at 43 without loss, they are still significantly behind, facing an uphill battle in the final day of the Test match.

Key takeaways

• Tom Latham and Devon Conway are the first opening pair to score centuries in both innings of a Test match.
• Conway's double century and century make him only the 10th player in Test history to achieve this feat.
• The opening duo's partnership of 323 runs is a new record for an opening pair in Test matches.
• West Indies will need to make history to chase down the target of 462 runs in the final innings.

Timeline: how we got here

The path to this historic moment began with the start of the Test series on 6 October 2023. After two matches, New Zealand has demonstrated their dominance in the series, culminating in this current match on 19 October 2023. Key milestones include:

• 6-8 October 2023: First Test - New Zealand wins convincingly.
• 13-15 October 2023: Second Test - New Zealand continues strong performance.
• 18-19 October 2023: Third Test - Latham and Conway set records in both innings.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Today's play saw New Zealand declare their second innings at 306 for 2, with both Latham and Conway continuing their remarkable form. The West Indies' batting line-up faced pressure after their first innings score of 420, needing to chase an unprecedented total to level the series.

What was already established

Prior to this match, New Zealand had already secured victories in the first two Tests, demonstrating their strength in both batting and bowling. The West Indies have struggled to match New Zealand's consistency throughout the series, which has now come to a crucial point in this final Test.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For cricket fans in the UK, this match represents an important moment as they follow the performance of New Zealand and the West Indies. The historic achievements of Latham and Conway can inspire future generations of cricketers in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

Cricket continues to be a significant economic driver within the UK, with events like this Test series boosting local businesses and hospitality sectors, particularly in regions with strong cricketing traditions.

Policy and regulation

The performance of national teams can influence sports policy and investment in cricket infrastructure, particularly as the UK looks to develop young talent in the sport.

Numbers that matter

• 462 - Runs required by West Indies to win, a record chase in Test cricket history.
• 323 - Runs scored by Latham and Conway in their opening partnership, the highest for any opening pair in a Test match.
• 2 - Centuries scored by Latham in this match, alongside Conway’s two centuries.
• 10 - Number of players in Test history who have scored a double century and a century in the same match, including Conway.
• 420 - Total runs scored by West Indies in their first innings, falling short of New Zealand's massive declarations.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Double century: A score of 200 runs or more by a batsman in a single innings.
• Test cricket: The longest format of the sport, played over five days between two national teams.
• Declaration: A tactic used by captains to end their team's innings voluntarily, usually to give the opposing team enough time to bat.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the final day of the Test match approaches, the focus will be on whether the West Indies can mount a successful chase or if New Zealand will secure a series win. The cricketing world will be keenly watching the outcome.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The results of this series may influence the selection for future international fixtures and tours, as both teams assess their line-ups and strategies moving forward.

Signals to watch

• The performance of West Indies' top order as they attempt to chase down the target.
• New Zealand's bowling strategy and any changes made in response to the West Indies' batting line-up.
• Player fitness and form in preparation for upcoming international engagements.

Practical guidance

Do

• Follow live updates on the match to stay informed about the unfolding action.
• Support local cricket initiatives that aim to nurture talent in the sport.

Don’t

• Undermine the achievements of players like Latham and Conway, as they set new benchmarks in the game.
• Miss out on engaging with the cricket community through events and discussions.

Checklist

• Check local listings for broadcast coverage of the match.
• Follow cricket news for updates on player performances and statistics.
• Engage with cricket forums or social media groups to share insights and predictions.
• Consider attending local matches to support the sport in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While New Zealand appears to be in a strong position, cricket is unpredictable. The West Indies may yet find a batting rhythm, and weather conditions could also play a role. Fans should remain cautious, as anything can happen in the final day of a Test match.

Bottom line

The historic performances of Tom Latham and Devon Conway highlight a significant moment for New Zealand cricket, positioning them for a series victory. As the West Indies face an uphill battle, all eyes will be on the final day to see if they can achieve the extraordinary or if New Zealand will secure their win.

FAQs

What is the significance of Latham and Conway's achievement?

Their accomplishment of scoring centuries in both innings marks a significant milestone in Test cricket, showcasing their skill and resilience as openers.

How many runs do West Indies need to win the match?

The West Indies need 462 runs to win the match, which is a record chase in Test history.

Who are some other players that have achieved a double century and a century in the same match?

Other notable players include Greg Chappell, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara, who have all achieved the remarkable feat alongside Conway.