Thanks to an unbeaten century by Tom Latham and Ross Taylor half century, New Zealand ended the rain curtailed first day of the 2nd Test match played at Seddon Park, Hamilton in a strong position at 173 for 3 played on Friday.
England captain Joe Root and decided to field first. The experienced Stuart Broad got the early breakthrough for the visitors dismissing Jeet Raval for 5 with a good catch by Joe Root at slips. Tom Latham played with positive intent and took the attack to England bowlers. Chris Woakes who came into the side dismissed the dangerous New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for 4. In the first hour, New Zealand scored 39 for 2.
Tom Latham survived a close LBW shout which was upheld due to umpire’s call. Archer, Broad, Woakes, Sam Curran bowled with control exploiting the conditions. New Zealand went into lunch break at 86 for 2.
After the lunch break, Ross Taylor was given out by the umpire and he decided to review the decision. There was a spike on RTS and the decision had to be overturned. Latham reached his fifty off 87 balls while Taylor looked confident with his stroke play. Both showed their class against the pace battery of England. Ross Taylor reached his fifty off 99 balls with a boundary and on the next ball Chris Woakes dismissed him for well made 53. Latham and Taylor added 116 runs for the 3rd wicket.
Tom Latham made the batting look easy and reached his century off 159 balls. Henry Nicholls came to the crease with good solid defensive technique. New Zealand went into the tea break at 173 for 3.
The players came for just 3 balls in the 3rd session before rain stopped play. The umpires decided to call off play. New Zealand ended the first day on 173 for 3 with Latham on 100 and Nicholls 5.
New Zealand 173 for 3 in 53.3 overs (Tom Latham 100*, Ross Taylor 53, Chris Woakes 2/41)
