<
>

Tom Latham lauds New Zealand's 'perfect performance'

Devon Conway bumps fists with Tom Latham after the latter completed his century AFP/Getty Images

New Zealand captain Tom Latham said he was pleased with his team's scoring rate, which he believes put Bangladesh under a lot of pressure, in the second Test in Christchurch.

New Zealand scored at more than four runs an over as they posted 521 for 6 in the first innings, and they eventually won by an innings and 117 runs in Christchurch, completing the match inside three days. Latham made 252 runs with 34 fours and two sixes.

"After getting put in first thing in the morning when we definitely would have bowled, to make that significant contribution at that point of time, was really good for us," Latham said. "We were focusing on each partnership. Will Young and Devon Conway played really well. We spoke about doing things for longer than what we did at the Mount [Maunganui Test], I thought we did that really well.

Latham particularly went after the short ball, bringing out the pull shot often, which he said came "naturally" while he was batting.

"I was trying to execute strong positions. As we have seen here, you can score quickly due to more pace and bounce. It wasn't a conscious effort to go after the short ball but it certainly happened a little bit naturally. Perhaps I was able to execute (more shots) down the ground and through the off-side.

"The rate that I scored at was probably most pleasing, being able to put them under pressure. (We could) ask them to come back for spell after spell, I thought we three guys - myself, Will Young and Devon Conway - did that well on the first day."

New Zealand exceptional bowling was also on show, starting with Trent Boult and Tim Southee with the new ball on the second afternoon when reduced Bangladesh to 27 for 5, eventually bowling them out for 126 in the first innings.

In the second innings, it was Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner who bowled well in tandem, taking important middle and lower-order wickets.

"I thought we bowled well in partnerships and being patient at both ends. We kept them under pressure for a long time. You can score quickly on this surface. The way we found different ways to get guys out, it was the most pleasing thing.

"The best thing about this bowling unit is that they always want the ball in hand," Latham said. "They are always willing to bowl another over. It was no different today. I am certainly happy to have all these guys in our side."

"It is always nice for guys to sign off on a winning note. But for us, it was about putting a performance to be proud of. I think after losing the toss, putting a significant score on the board, and then for the bowlers to do their thing, was outstanding. Certainly, it was the perfect performance."