Can Conway and Latham's 323-Run Partnership Propel New Zealand to Victory?

The third Test match between New Zealand and the West Indies has witnessed a remarkable opening partnership, with Devon Conway and Tom Latham putting together 323 runs for the first wicket. This partnership is significant as it marks only the 12th occasion in men's Test cricket history where an opening stand has reached 300 runs, highlighting the exceptional performance of the New Zealand openers.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the first day of the third Test in Mount Maunganui concludes, New Zealand stands at an impressive 334-1, with Devon Conway not out on 178 and Tom Latham contributing 137 runs. Their partnership not only secured New Zealand's dominant position in the match but also showcased their batting prowess against the West Indies bowling attack. With New Zealand leading the three-match series 1-0, this day’s performance sets a formidable foundation for the remaining matches.

Key takeaways

New Zealand's opening partnership of 323 runs is the second highest in their Test history.
Devon Conway's unbeaten 178 is his sixth Test century.
Tom Latham scored 137 runs, marking his 15th Test hundred.
The partnership is the joint 12th highest opening stand in men’s Test cricket.
This performance strengthens New Zealand's position in the Test series against West Indies.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the series, several key events have shaped the current scenario:

16 October 2023: The first Test began, with New Zealand securing a victory against West Indies.
19 October 2023: The second Test concluded, further establishing New Zealand's dominance.
20 October 2023: Day one of the third Test commenced, leading to the historic partnership between Conway and Latham.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The remarkable 323-run partnership between Conway and Latham is newly established as one of the key highlights of the ongoing Test match. This performance underscores the skill of both players in adapting to the conditions, particularly as they faced challenges in the first hour of play.

What was already established

Prior to this match, New Zealand had shown strong form throughout the series, with consistent performances from their batsmen. The record for the highest opening partnership remains with Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis, who achieved 387 runs against the West Indies in 1972, showcasing how rare and significant such partnerships are in Test cricket.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the cricket match may not have immediate financial implications for UK consumers, the engagement with international sports can influence public morale and cultural cohesion, especially among cricket fans.

Businesses and jobs

The ongoing series could potentially boost local economies in the venues hosting the matches, with increased tourism and hospitality spending. The success of local teams can also enhance brand value for sponsors and related businesses.

Policy and regulation

Cricket remains a significant part of the UK's sporting landscape, and the performances of teams like New Zealand can impact future policies related to sports funding, youth engagement in cricket, and international sporting relations.

Numbers that matter

323: Runs scored by Conway and Latham for the first wicket, marking a significant achievement in Test cricket history.
178: Conway's unbeaten score, which is his sixth Test century.
137: Latham's score, marking his 15th Test hundred.
86.4: Overs the partnership spanned, demonstrating their endurance and skill.
334-1: New Zealand's score at the end of day one, setting a strong foundation for the match.

Definitions and jargon buster

Test cricket: The longest form of the sport of cricket, played over five days, where two teams compete for the highest score.
Opening partnership: The first pair of batsmen who start the innings for a team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the series progresses, fans will be keenly observing the performance of both teams. New Zealand looks poised to secure a series win, while West Indies will need to regroup and strategise for the remaining matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The performance in this series may influence team selections and strategies for upcoming international fixtures, including tournaments and bilateral series. Both teams will look to build on their experiences from this series.

Signals to watch

Future match performances, particularly in the remaining fixtures of this series.
Player statistics and form, especially for key players like Conway and Latham.
Team selections for upcoming series based on performance in this Test match.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow the series for insights into player performance and team strategies.
Engage with local cricket clubs to support the sport at grassroots levels.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of player form on team dynamics and match outcomes.
Neglect the significance of sport in fostering community spirit and engagement.

Checklist

Stay updated with match schedules and results.
Analyse player statistics and performances from each match.
Consider attending local matches or supporting local teams.
Engage with cricket discussions on social media to share insights.
Watch highlights and analyses to understand game strategies better.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the current performance of Conway and Latham is impressive, cricket is inherently unpredictable, and the dynamics of the match can change rapidly. Injuries, weather conditions, and changes in bowling strategies can all impact the outcome of the game. Additionally, the West Indies may adapt their approach in the following innings, which could lead to different results.

Bottom line

The day one performance of New Zealand against the West Indies has set a strong precedent for this Test series, with Conway and Latham's partnership being a highlight. As the series continues, the focus will remain on how both teams adapt and respond to the challenges presented on the field.

FAQs

What is a Test match in cricket?

A Test match is the longest format of cricket, lasting up to five days, where two teams compete to score the most runs.

How significant is a 300-run partnership?

A 300-run partnership is a rare achievement in Test cricket, highlighting exceptional teamwork and batting skill.

Who holds the record for the highest opening partnership in Test cricket?

The record for the highest opening partnership is 387 runs, achieved by Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis in 1972 against the West Indies.