Devon Conway and Tom Latham make records fall like dominoes with historic opening stand vs West Indies

Tom Latham took a close look at the pitch at Bay Oval Thursday and made the inspired decision to bat first. Inspired ultimately because at stumps New Zealand was 334 for 1 against West Indies, Devon Conway was 178 not out and nightwatchman Jacob Duffy was 9.

Latham and Conway put on 323 for New Zealand’s first wicket in a partnership that ended just three overs from stumps when Latham was out for 137. The partnership was New Zealand’s second-highest opening stand in tests and the highest for all wickets and all teams in 2025.

Latham faced 245 balls before falling to a slip catch shortly after the arrival of the second new ball. Conway faced 279 deliveries, batted throughout the day and at stumps was approaching his highest test score — his 200 on debut against England in 2021. Latham’s decision to bat first was bold because the pitch was unusually green for Bay Oval. Bold because he had to back his play, pad up and bat first.