Cricket: Latham's perseverance rewarded

Tom Latham of New Zealand bats during Day Three of the First Test between Pakistan and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

Tom Latham's been an industrious soul to observe at New Zealand cricket trainings.

He spends his time batting in the nets like most, perfecting a technique sturdy enough to bring him a maiden test century while his compatriots struggled against Pakistan in the first test at Abu Dhabi.

Heading into the fourth day Pakistan are 15 without loss in their second innings, a lead of 319, after opting not to enforce the follow-on.

However, it was Latham's dedication in 'extra for experts' practice with batting coach Craig McMillan that sticks in the mind. He appeared determined to become a better short leg fieldsman and kept getting fed sharp chances while crouched in position for what seemed an interminable period (certainly for the ordinary person's quadriceps) as the practice dissolved around him.

That's the perseverance he's renowned for since coming through Christchurch Boys' High School as a top sportsman. He was the youngest player to captain Canterbury in a first-class match at age 20 in 2012 and, earlier that year, made his one-day international debut for New Zealand.

The plaudits were rich then, and few will have changed.

New Zealand Cricket high performance coach Bob Carter was his provincial coach on selection: "He works hard, has a lot of skill - especially as a batsman - and is diligent in his approach; a stickler for routine."

Canterbury stalwart Peter Fulton was impressed: "He's quiet, respectful and willing to learn. He keeps to himself and goes about his business in an understated way... He has a good temperament matched by a strong technique."

Having a dad who played test and one-day cricket for New Zealand meant Latham spent his youth compared to Rod.

With today's feat, the 22-year-old became part of the third New Zealand father and son combination to score test centuries. Walter and Sir Richard Hadlee and Ken and Hamish Rutherford complete the trio.

Yet with a raising of his bat to teammates and supporters Latham must surely have banished 'son of' lines for good.

"It's pretty special and something the pair of us now have together which is pleasing. He's always been on at me about his test hundred [v Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in 1992]. He had one over me," Latham chuckled.

It was no accident Latham should begin making a success of the opening role, a spot which is his for the immediate future. He averages 55.85 in seven innings - four of those have resulted in scores of 73 or better - and 46.66 from nine innings overall.

The next question will be whether he is a suitable candidate to join Martin Guptill at the top of the order for the World Cup. He at least seems a useful triallist and should get the chance to prove his credentials when the ODI series against Pakistan starts next month.

ANDREW ALDERSON TRAVELLED TO THE UAE COURTESY OF EMIRATES