Latham ton puts Kiwis in solid position
New Zealand opener Tom Latham scored a second century in as many Tests as he led his side to 243 for three at stumps on day one of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
New Zealand won the toss and immediately opted to bat, a wise choice given the glut of runs in the UAE of late, though batting first has been a prerequisite for Pakistan, who have done most of the batting.
Latham and skipper Brendon McCullum put on a solid opening stand in the morning, but the captain was unable to see out the session and fell for 43 to Ehsan Adil, the score on 77. They were on 82 for one at lunch.
Latham and Kane Williamson then batted together for much of the afternoon, though the latter's scoring rate was below 40, leaving much of the run-getting to his younger partner. They did put on a half ton stand though.
Williamson was out before tea, for 232, bowled by Zulfiqur Babar. This brought Ross Taylor to the middle, and he was with LAtham when he recorded his century in the evening. It came off 192 balls, and included a six.
Taylor's vigil came to an end late in the day, for 23 off 71 balls. He was caught at short leg by Shan Masood off Yasir Shah, and thus Corey Anderson (7 not out) completed the day alongside Latham (137 not out).
Latest
-
NewsTom Banton enjoying break from Covid bubbles as he weighs up IPL entry
The batsman is determined to find the best way of proving his England credentials.
-
AustraliaAustralia name squads for NZ T20Is and Tests in South Africa
As expected, Australia’s National Selection Panel has named separate playing squads for the upcoming series in New Zealand and South Africa.
-
NewsElgar relieved Proteas on top despite ‘very very under par’ total
South Africa opener Dean Elgar was relieved the Proteas find themselves in a good position in the first Test against Pakistan.
-
NewsRotation, rotation, rotation – Chris Silverwood stands by selection policy
England will continue resting players this winter in a bid to combat challenging Covid restrictions.
-
NewsRahane happy to fill in for Kohli, but ‘Virat is the captain’
Ajinkya Rahane impressed when he skippered India to a dramatic 2-1 series win against Australia earlier this month.
-
NewsEngland spinner Jack Leach extends Somerset stay
The news comes days after Leach helped England secure a Test series win in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsQ & A: How will Joe Root’s England fare against Virat Kohli’s India?
Having beaten Sri Lanka, the tourists face a step up in quality with a four-Test trip to India.
-
NewsA closer look as England claim fifth-successive overseas Test victory
The last time England achieved such a sequence was when they came from behind to defeat Australia 4-1 in the 1912-13 Ashes.
-
NewsThe stats that show Joe Root is on track to become England’s record Test run-scorer
The captain is now up to fourth on England’s all-time list
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: England sweep series with devastating display
Joe Root’s side had spent most of the first three days chasing the game in this second Test but made their move emphatically on Monday.