New Zealand enjoyed a perfect opening day of the third and final Test against England At Trent Bridge, thanks to a monumental batting display from the openings Tom Latham and Devon Conway. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Black Caps took full advantage of the excellent batting conditions, amassing 361 for 4 at stumps on Day 1. The opening pair frustrated England’s bowlers almost all day and registered a record-breaking 317-run partnership before the hosts bounced back four days late with a 2-over tie.
Devon Conway and Tom Latham script date with record opening stand
Silent for much of the series, Latham and Conway responded magnificently when their side needed them most. The experienced duo batted with great composure and authority, punishing anything loose while attacking England’s attack with ease.
The pair added a magnificent 317 runs for the opening wicket, the highest partnership for New Zealand against England in Test cricket. Latham led the way with 15 boundaries during his stay at the crease, leading to 151 off 214 deliveries. Conway was equally impressive, making a smooth 157 off 224 balls with 22 fours and three sixes. The left-hander looked particularly elegant through the covers and brought up his eighth Test century, continuing his excellent record against England.
England’s bowlers labored on a flat batting surface throughout the day, with few chances going begging. Jamie Smith Latham missed a straight catch behind the stumps when he was on 129, with the home side also given up on an unfortunate review that would have dismissed Conway in their innings earlier. Ben Stokes in the end he broke the marathon stand by taking out Latham earlier Joe Root he accounted for Conway soon after, ending one of New Zealand’s best opening partnerships in Test history.
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England were on strike after New Zealand’s opening day
Despite being under immense pressure for most of the day, England found some consolation in the final session with some promising wickets. Stokes set the tone by dismissing Latham, while Root miscued Conway and hit long-on just 7 balls later.
The late momentum continued Gus Atkinson fell into a trap Rachin Ravindra for before 15 Jofra Archer that sharply delivered Henry Nicholls he was out on the last ball of the day. A quick double strike saw New Zealand slide from 317 for no loss to 361 for 4, giving England fresh hope heading into the second morning.
However, the visitors are firmly in control after a team kick. Daryl Mitchell Together with Nightwatcher will continue unbeaten on the 22nd Will O’RourkeNew Zealand were well positioned to post a big first innings total. England, meanwhile, will need early breakthroughs on Day 2 after a grueling day on the field in hot Trent Bridge conditions.
