Tom Latham Becomes New Zealand’s Fifth-Highest Run-Scorer in Test Cricket
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has overtaken legendary batter Martin Crowe to become the country’s fifth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. Latham achieved this milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle.
Match Highlights
In the first innings, Latham played a patient knock of 70 runs off 111 balls, hitting six fours. This performance brought his total to 5,488 runs in 81 Tests, with an average of 40.05, including 13 centuries and 29 fifties. His highest score is 264*.
Martin Crowe, whom Latham surpassed, scored 5,444 runs in 77 Tests at an average of 45.36, with 17 centuries and 18 fifties. His best score was 299.
The leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Tests is Kane Williamson, who has scored 8,798 runs at an average of 54.98, with 32 centuries and 45 fifties. His highest score is 251.
First Innings Recap
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 305 runs. Kamindu Mendis scored 114 runs off 173 balls, and Kusal Mendis added 50 runs off 68 balls. For New Zealand, pacer William O’Rourke took 5 wickets for 55 runs, while spinners Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips took two wickets each. Skipper Tim Southee also took one wicket.
In response, New Zealand scored 340 runs, gaining a 35-run lead. Key contributions came from Tom Latham (70 runs), Kane Williamson (55 runs), and Daryl Mitchell (57 runs). Glenn Phillips added an explosive 49* runs off 48 balls. Partnerships included a 73-run stand between Latham and Williamson for the second wicket and a 73-run stand between Blundell and Mitchell for the fifth wicket. For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya took 4 wickets for 136 runs, and Ramesh Mendis took 3 wickets for 101 runs.
Second Innings Outlook
As the match continues, Sri Lanka needs to build a significant lead in their second innings to set a challenging target for New Zealand.
Doubts Revealed
Tom Latham -: Tom Latham is a cricketer from New Zealand. He plays for the New Zealand national team.
New Zealand -: New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and strong cricket team.
Test cricket -: Test cricket is the longest form of the sport of cricket. Matches can last up to five days.
Martin Crowe -: Martin Crowe was a famous cricketer from New Zealand. He was one of the best batsmen in the world during his time.
Galle -: Galle is a city in Sri Lanka. It has a famous cricket stadium where international matches are played.
Kamindu Mendis -: Kamindu Mendis is a cricketer from Sri Lanka. He scored 114 runs in the match mentioned.
Kane Williamson -: Kane Williamson is a cricketer from New Zealand. He is one of the best batsmen in the world.
Daryl Mitchell -: Daryl Mitchell is a cricketer from New Zealand. He contributed to the team’s score in the match.
