In part, that’s down to the challenge of Latham’s role. Walking out first tasks the Kiwi skipper with batting when the ball is at its newest, and the bowlers at their freshest.
His 86 in the second innings of New Zealand’s series-clinching 113-run win over India in Pune was worth more than double that score, given the horrendous conditions put in front of the Black Caps by the home side.
That’s also not counting the fact he’s scored centuries in One-Day International cricket, as far back as February this year.
And yet, when the Black Caps begin their home test summer against the West Indies in Christchurch, Latham raising the bat for his 14th century in the format – extending a record he already owns as New Zealand’s most prolific opener – would be a sight for sore eyes.
Even without a century against the West Indies, Latham still averages close to 44 against the men from the Caribbean, with four half-centuries and a best of 86.
Speaking before the series opener, though, Latham made the point that his job is about so much more than personal milestones.
“Any time you get the opportunity, you want to do well, you want to keep improving,” Latham explained.
“From my point of view, it’s about trying to do my role as best I can. What that looks like from first innings to second innings may be slightly different.
“But I want to put the team in a strong position as best I can. If that means bringing up a milestone, then great. If it doesn’t, that’s the way it is.
Tom Latham on day one of the first test against England last year. Photo / Photosport
“If I perform as best I can for the team, that’s all I can ask for.”
As test captain, Latham would be within his rights to point out arguably the biggest factor in his lack of centuries – a lack of matches.
This series will have New Zealand playing just their third, fourth and fifth tests of the year. What’s more, thanks to a shoulder injury in Zimbabwe, they’ll also be Latham’s first of 2025.
In fact, so bare is the cupboard that in facing the West Indies, the Black Caps begin their 2025-27 cycle of the World Test Championship – the last country to do so.
Fortunately, that trend won’t continue in 2026. Over the next 12 months, the Black Caps have arguably their most exciting block of test cricket in years, with away tours to England and Australia on either side of a home series against India.
And with that prospect, Latham sees no issue in the trade-off between the lack of red-ball cricket and the surplus of white-ball matches that have filled New Zealand’s calendar so far.
“It comes down to the schedule,” he continued. “If you ask me this question in 12 months’ time, it’ll be slightly different.
“We have so much coming up, but it’s just the way it falls with ICC events that are popping up in the new year.
“Our focus is on these three test matches. If we do that well, we’ll move into June as the next time we play.
“We have a nice chance to do it well here in New Zealand, hopefully we can give it a good crack.”
Latham was unable to confirm the Black Caps’ first XI of the test summer, with the pair of Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner both facing late fitness tests to earn their spots for the series opener.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
