Highlights:
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Devon Conway and Tom Latham added 323 runs for the opening wicket on a green surface at Mount Maunganui
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New Zealand chose to bat first at home for the first time since 2011, despite early seam movement
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Devon Conway finished Day 1 unbeaten on 178, striking 25 fours
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Tom Latham scored 137 before falling late in the day, ending the opening stand
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New Zealand closed on 334 for 1 after a dominant first day
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Devon Conway said New Zealand wanted to “bat big, bat well, and allow our bowlers to bowl in the fourth innings”
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Conditions eased after the opening hour as the ball softened and the pitch quickened
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Devon Conway emphasized patience, discipline, and a team-first approach to batting
New Zealand seized control of the third Test against West Indies on the opening day at Mount Maunganui, with Devon Conway and Tom Latham combining for a 323-run opening partnership after the hosts chose to bat first on a green pitch. The decision, rare in New Zealand conditions, was fully justified as the pair defied early movement to put their side firmly on top.
By stumps on Day 1, New Zealand had reached 334 for 1, with Devon Conway unbeaten on 178 and Latham dismissed late in the day for 137. The partnership laid the foundation for a dominant position and reflected a clear plan from the home side to set up the match by batting long.
Devon Conway explains New Zealand’s plan to bat first
Speaking after the close of play, Devon Conway said New Zealand’s intent was straightforward. “We wanted to bat big, bat well, and allow our bowlers to bowl in the fourth innings.” The execution matched the plan almost perfectly across the day.
New Zealand’s choice to bat first stood out given the conditions. The pitch at Bay Oval showed a visible green tinge, and West Indies’ seamers found movement in the opening exchanges. It was also the first time since 2011 that New Zealand had opted to bat first in a home Test. Despite that, Conway and Latham committed to patience and discipline, resisting the temptation to force scoring early.
Devon Conway and Tom Latham survive difficult opening hour
The early phase tested both openers. West Indies bowled tight lines and extracted movement with the new ball. Devon Conway later admitted the first hour was uncomfortable. “They were bowling really good areas and moving the ball quite a bit,” he said. “I was fighting myself through that first hour. I even told Tom at lunch that I almost felt like I’d forgotten how to bat.”
Latham, leading the side, provided calm support as the pair focused on leaving well and playing late. Their approach ensured New Zealand did not lose an early wicket, a crucial factor given the surface and overhead conditions.
Devon Conway capitalizes as conditions ease
As the day progressed, the pitch settled and the ball softened, making stroke play more viable. Devon Conway took advantage, expanding his range and punishing loose deliveries. He struck 25 fours across his innings, gradually shifting the pressure onto the West Indies bowlers.
“Once the wicket sped up and the ball got older, there were scoring opportunities,” Conway said. “If they missed, I wanted to put them under pressure.”
The scoring rate increased through the middle sessions, with both openers reaching centuries. Their partnership eventually reached 323, the highest opening stand by New Zealand against West Indies and one that effectively removed the visitors from the contest on the first day.
Devon Conway reflects on form and team-first focus
The innings carried added significance for Devon Conway, who has faced questions about consistency in recent months. Prior to this Test, two-thirds of his previous 39 Test innings had ended before he reached 30. Conway made it clear that personal milestones were not his focus.
“I try not to worry about runs,” he said. “I just focus on doing my role for the team and staying present.”
His approach was evident throughout the day, with minimal risk and an emphasis on building time at the crease.
Devon Conway praises Tom Latham’s opening role
Conway also highlighted the demands of opening the batting in New Zealand conditions and praised his captain’s record. “You turn up on day one, see a green pitch, and you know it’s going to do something,” he said. “Tom has played nearly 90 Tests and keeps delivering. A lot of his centuries have come here, and that says a lot.”
Latham’s dismissal late in the day for 137 ended the opening stand, but by then New Zealand had already secured a commanding position.
Devon Conway looks ahead to Day 2
Devon Conway will resume on Day 2 just 22 runs short of his second Test double century. Despite the milestone within reach, his outlook remains unchanged. “If you look too far ahead, you get yourself in trouble,” he said. “The goal is to bat long, keep building partnerships, and keep putting pressure on them.”
With New Zealand firmly in control after Day 1, the hosts will look to extend their advantage, with Devon Conway central to their plans as the match moves deeper into the contest.
