India, Dec. 19 -- 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 334-1 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 ...