DUBAI // For most of the opening day of the second Test, Tom Latham was referred to on the main scoreboard at the Dubai International Stadium simply as “Tom”.
It seemed a touch premature to be on first name terms with a player who only arrived on these shores as a little-known member of the New Zealand tour party.
He has made back-to-back Test centuries since then, though, so no wonder the relationship seems so cosy so soon.
Playing against Pakistan’s bowlers in the UAE often appears to be the most alien ordeal imaginable, even for the game’s most established players.
Yet Latham, 22, could not have taken to the experience any more comfortably if he had been wearing an old pair of slippers and sipping some cocoa.
In finishing undefeated on 137 by the close of Day 1, he had positioned his side squarely back in contention in this Test series.
“It was a terrific performance, especially backing up that effort [the 103 he made in Abu Dhabi last week] in the first Test,” said Craig McMillan, New Zealand’s batting coach.
“He is a very talented young player who is disciplined in his gameplan and approach.
“He knows his key areas where he can hit the ball, he knows when he has to defend, and he defends soundly.
“I thought his concentration out there – because it got very hot at times today – contributed to what was an excellent effort and one that we needed at the top of the order.”
Latham’s second Test century put him one ahead of his father, Rod, who made a single ton in four matches for New Zealand in the early 1990s.
He shared in three half-century alliances: 77 with Brendon McCullum, his opening partner, 76 with Kane Williamson, and 73 with Ross Taylor.
pradley@thenational.ae
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