NEW DELHI: Imagine handed over the Test captaincy and first up is a tour of India, who hadn’t lost a Test series at home since 2012.
Not just that, leading a side that had not only ever won a Test series in India but also emerged winners in only two Test matches in India since the first Test they played in India since 1955, with the first win coming at Nagpur in 1969 and the second at Mumbai in 1988.
Two victories for the Kiwis out of the 36 Tests in India. Not even the long-standing and highly successful New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming could win a Test in India.
So history favoured India. With an impeccable record at home and match-winners to boost, no one gave the Kiwis a chance to ruffle a feather.
But as they say that fortune favours the brave, Tom Latham was ready for his maiden full-time Test assignment.
With a level-headed approach, Latham brought a calm and methodical style to leadership. His demeanor on the field helped maintain team morale, especially in tense situations, which was crucial in the longest format.
In Latham’s own words, it was a good toss to lose for the Kiwis when India captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat in the first Test at Bengaluru.
Making excellent use of the overcast conditions, the Kiwis bundled out India for their lowest ever Test total at home – 46 and though India tried to fight back in the second innings, Latham & Co. didn’t loosen their grip and won the match by 8 wickets.
In the second Test on a turning track in Pune, Mitchell Santner ran through the Indians with 13 wickets in the match, but Latham’s 86 in the second innings was very crucial in setting India a stiff victory target of 359 runs, which in the end the hosts fell short of, handing the Kiwis a 113-run win and their maiden Test series victory on Indian soil. A hoodoo broken. History created.
Latham’s experience as an opening batsman and a seasoned Test player gave him a deep understanding of New Zealand’s strengths and weaknesses. He relied on a balanced strategy, rotated bowlers effectively and adjusted fields in response to India’s batting style, which was effective in helping his team maintain pressure.
Latham exemplified the traits of resilience and discipline in Test cricket. He encouraged his team to play with patience, whether that meant grinding out runs or bowling in tight, consistent areas to frustrate India batters. His approach reflected his own style as a batsman, emphasizing solid technique and composure.
Latham showed trust in younger players and backed their abilities. This support helped players like Daryl Mitchell and Will Young step up when needed, adding to New Zealand’s depth and adaptability.
While Latham may not have as aggressive a captaincy style as some others, his balanced and steady approach aligned well with New Zealand’s team ethos. His leadership provided stability and confidence, ensuring the Kiwis made history in India.
And to achieve this without the services of batting mainstay Kane Williamson, who missed all the three Tests due to injury, Tom Latham might as well go down in history as one of the finest captains to lead the New Zealand cricket team.