Mount Maunganui: Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham posted a record partnership as New Zealand took control of the third Test against the West Indies on the opening day at the Bay Oval here on Thursday.
Hosts skipper Latham’s decision to bat first paid off as, along with Conway, the West Indies worked the bowlers to their respective centuries, batting over 86 overs to give their side a brilliant start.
The opening pair batted with great dominance and added 323 runs during their marathon partnership, which is now New Zealand’s second highest in Tests, after Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis’ 378 against the West Indies at Georgetown in 1972.
The landmark is the highest opening partnership in New Zealand, beating the previous best of 278 runs recorded twice in 1930 and 1999.
After 86.3 overs of suffering, Khmer Roach finally broke the West Indies’ shackles, dismissing a retreating Latham after a 246-ball 137 with 15 fours and a six.
Conway, who dominated the exciting stand, remained unmoved and returned unbeaten with 25 balls to his 178 off 279 balls.
“I’m very grateful to be a part of that partnership,” Conway said of her position with Latham.
“A lot of credit goes to Tom for the way he played.
“Often throughout that partnership, he reminded me about looking straight ahead, you know, be there, be present, don’t look ahead.”
The 34-year-old opener led New Zealand’s first innings to 334/1 on day two with nightwatchman Jacob Duffy scoring nine off 16 balls.
Notably, the home side took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a 9-wicket win in the second match in Wellington.