New Zealand vs England: Win definitely on the table, says Tom Latham after comeback in 2nd Test
New Zealand vs England: The hosts have levelled the game, feels NZ batter Tom Latham after a strong performance on Day 3. NZ were followed on by Ben Stokes after getting all out for 209 in 1st innings.
New Zealand dominated Day 3 of the 2nd Test match. (AP Photo)
By India Today Sports Desk: New Zealand still believe that they can win the second and final Test match of the series against Ben Stokes’ England, batter Tom Latham has said after the end of Day 3, on Sunday, 26 February.
After being followed on, NZ openers – Devon Conway and Latham himself put together a partnership of 149 runs for the first wicket, NZ’s best batting display in the series. Stokes’ decision to follow-on the hosts backfired with the wicket getting flatter on Day 3 which helped the Tim Southee team to score 202/3 at the end of day’s play.
With NZ trailing by just 24 runs, Latham said that match hanged in balance and the hosts understood that a lot of work still needed to be done to win the Test match.
“Yes, certainly in a better position than they were in last night. I think obviously being put back in, you know, with the follow-on. And I think for me and Dave to build that partnership up top was was really important for the group,” Latham said in the press conference.
“The work Henry and Kane did towards the back end of the session and you know, this evening was, was really important and to just be close to nearly parity and you know at this point was certainly really pleasing. So a good day,” the batter further explained.
England batting coach Paul Collingwood called the day as one where New Zealand expectedly decided to fight back. Latham said that a win for New Zealand was still on the table against a Bazballing England.
“Absolutely. I think you always got to look at ways, you know, to win a Test match. And we certainly know there’s a lot of work to do, you know, before that point. But if able to build partnerships and you know, tomorrow’s throughout the innings, we’ve still got a lot of guys to come who have, you know, had a little bit of form, which is great,” Latham said.
“We know there’s a lot of work to do to get to that point. But, you know, we’re always looking at ways to this to get to parity and then obviously, you know, push in front. So another exciting day ahead for us tomorrow,” the batter concluded.
