Latham ton puts New Zealand in solid position

Latham was on 101 when the rain swept in just three deliveries after the resumption of play from the tea break.

It was the left-handed opener’s 11th century and lifted him to equal sixth on the New Zealand century-makers list headed by Kane Williamson with 20. Williamson, however, was off his best this innings when he was dismissed for four in a rocky start for New Zealand after Jeet Raval was removed for five. But from two for 39, Latham and Taylor put on 116 for the third wicket when Taylor went for 53 to have New Zealand three for 155.

All three wickets were to catches by England captain Joe Root at first slip.

Ben Stokes, at second slip, did not have such safe hands and dropped Latham on 66. Adding to Stokes’ worries, he felt pain in his left knee after bowling two overs and will be assessed overnight to see whether he can bowl again during the innings. Taylor also received a let-off which proved costly for England when he was hit on the pads by Stuart Broad and given out.

BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand (1st innings) 173/3 in 54.3 overs (T Latham 101*, R Taylor 53) vs England