Blackcaps opener Tom Latham has recorded his first double-century to help New Zealand to a dominant position on Day Three of the first cricket test against Sri Lanka in Wellington.
After bringing up his sixth test 100 on Sunday evening, Latham, 26, continued to bat supremely through the morning and early afternoon, passing his previous highest score of 177 shortly after lunch.
In reaching his 200, Latham became the sixth New Zealand batsman to achieve the milestone on the Basin Reserve, behind Bendon McCullum, Martin Crowe, Kane Williamson, Lou Vincent and Mathew Sinclair.
The achievement is particularly sweet for Latham, who struggled for form during the Blackcap's historic series victory over Pakistan in UAE earlier this month.
Across the three tests, he scored 99 runs at an average of 16.5 and his opening spot in the team must have been under threat for this series.
But under more familiar conditions, Latham has been imperious against the Sri Lankans, offering no chances on his way to 200. On Sunday, he did survive a leg-before-wicket appeal and review, after the ball was ruled to have pitched outside leg stump.
His patient double-ton came off 412 balls, including 16 boundaries, after 592 minutes - alomst 10 hours - helping his side to 475/5 and a lead of 193 runs.
Newshub.
