The China Mail - Latham ton puts New Zealand firmly in charge of West Indies Test

Skipper Latham was 100 not out with Rachin Ravindra on 70 and New Zealand 233-2.

The West Indies, 64 behind on the first innings, will face a record run chase at Hagley Oval in their second knock.

The highest successful fourth-innings total at the ground is 285-8 set by New Zealand against Sri Lanka two years ago.

Latham, who had innings of 235 and 115 in that Test, put his side in control of this Test with an 84-run opening stand with Devon Conway (37).

After a brief partnership with Kane Williamson (nine), Latham has added a further 133 runs with Ravindra in a largely chanceless innings.

The only scare was a strong lbw shout on 54 which was turned down when television replays showed the ball pitching outside leg stump.

While Latham has been methodical facing 179 balls for the century, his first in 40 innings, Ravindra took on the bowling in one-day mode and made the West Indies suffer for dropping him on eight and 13.

His 70 has come off 75 deliveries and included 12 fours, including one from the first ball he faced and another to bring up his fifth Test fifty.

For the West Indies, Ojay Shields has 1-44 having removed Conway while Kemar Roach, who had Williamson caught behind, has 1-38.

N.Lo--ThChM