Black Caps Begin Home Test Summer Against West Indies in Christchurch

The first test of the summer kicked off in Christchurch as the Black Caps faced off against the West Indies, marking a significant moment in New Zealand’s cricket calendar. The match presents an opportunity for captain Tom Latham to end a near three-year drought for a century in Test cricket and reinforce his leadership role in the team.

Latham’s last century came on Boxing Day 2022 during an away match against Pakistan. His most recent home century was recorded in January 2022, when he scored 252 runs against Bangladesh. As the opening batsman, Latham often confronts the toughest bowling conditions, facing the freshest bowlers with the new ball. Despite this, the statistics do not fully encapsulate his contributions to the team.

As captain, Latham has been pivotal in guiding the Black Caps through challenging circumstances, evidenced by his crucial 86 runs in a decisive win against India in Pune, which showcased his ability to perform under pressure. Although he has not reached the three-figure mark recently, Latham’s leadership has placed him alongside other vital players, such as Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, as essential figures in New Zealand’s batting lineup.

While personal milestones are important, Latham emphasized that his primary focus remains on the team. “Any time you get the opportunity, you want to do well, you want to keep improving,” he stated. “From my point of view, it’s about trying to do my role as best I can.” He highlighted the significance of putting the team in strong positions, regardless of individual achievements.

As the Black Caps embark on this series, they will participate in their third, fourth, and fifth Test matches of 2025, a year that has seen limited opportunities due to scheduling conflicts. Latham noted that he is eager to play, especially following a shoulder injury sustained in Zimbabwe, which delayed his participation. This test series against the West Indies also marks the beginning of New Zealand’s 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, a critical period for the team.

Looking ahead, the Black Caps have a busy year planned, including away tours to England and Australia alongside a home series against India. Latham remains optimistic, stating, “We have so much coming up, but it’s just the way it falls with ICC events that are popping up in the new year.”

In terms of team composition for the series opener, Latham was unable to confirm the final lineup, as Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner were undergoing late fitness tests. Notably, Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson were confirmed to miss the match due to injury.

As the Black Caps aim to establish momentum during this home test summer, the focus will be on both individual performances and team success, with Latham leading the charge against the West Indies in Christchurch.