The first in 96 years! History of the Tom Latham-Devon Conway script with New Zealand’s record time punishing England

New Zealand’s Tom Latham, right, celebrates reaching a century during the first day of the third Test against England. (AP photo) Tom Latham and Devon Conway formed one of the greatest opening partnerships in New Zealand Test history, rewriting the record books with a monumental 317-run stand against England in the 1st third Test of the series at Trent Bridge on Thursday.The pair became the first New Zealand opening duo to register a 300-plus partnership with England in Test cricket history, surpassing the previous best of 276 set by Stewie Dempster and Jackie Mills in Wellington in 1930.In fact, prior to Latham and Conway’s heroics, Dempster and Mills were the only New Zealand opening pair to make more than 200 against England in Tests. The Trent Bridge Masterclass not only eclipsed that milestone, but also set a new benchmark in the competition.The mammoth partnership was eventually broken when England captain Ben Stokes induced an outside edge from Latham, with keeper Jamie Smith completing the catch. Latham departed for a brilliant 151 off 214 balls, garnished with 15 boundaries, ending a partnership that left England’s bowlers exhausted and frustrated.

Second highest partnership for New Zealand in away Tests

Latham and Conway’s 317-run alliance is now the second-highest partnership for any New Zealand wicket in an away Test match. Only the opening stand of 387 runs between Terry Jarvis and Glenn Turner against the West Indies at Georgetown in 1972 stands above him.The pair also recorded New Zealand’s highest Test opening partnership in England and joined an elite list of Kiwi opening combinations to surpass the 200-run mark in the longest format.Conway was then dismissed by Joe Root in the next over as he departed for a massive 157 off 224 deliveries, hitting 22 fours and three sixes in a dominant display. The left-hander looked in complete control throughout, combining elegant strokes with patience on the calm surface of Trent Bridge.

England went looking for answers

With the series level at 1-1, New Zealand captain Latham’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved inspirational.England’s attack, featuring the returning Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, found little help from the flat pitch in unseasonably hot conditions. Stokes was the only bowler who consistently put questions to the batsmen and finally brought the breakthrough after 72-plus frustrations.The opening stand continued New Zealand’s momentum after their emphatic win in the second Test and came despite the absence of key players Matt Henry, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson.For Latham, it was his 17th Test century and a timely return to form after a quiet series. For Conway (8th hundred), it was another reminder of his ability to produce big scores on the biggest stages.