NOTTINGHAM, England : New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made the most of ideal batting conditions to guide their side to 108 without loss at lunch on the opening day of the series-deciding third test against England at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
After winning the toss under clear skies, New Zealand’s openers produced a disciplined and assured display on a flat, sun-baked surface, frustrating England’s bowlers throughout the morning session.
Captain Latham led the way with an unbeaten 60, registering his eighth test half-century against England, while Conway reached 45 not out as the tourists seized early control.
Neither batter offered a clear chance during an opening stand that exposed England’s struggles to find movement or breakthroughs on a pitch offering little assistance to the seamers.
Seeking to change the momentum, returning England captain Ben Stokes introduced spinner Shoaib Bashir after just 47 minutes of play. It marked the earliest use of a spinner on the opening day of a home test by England in 18 years.
The decision highlighted England’s search for answers after New Zealand comfortably negotiated the new ball and steadily accumulated runs.
Stokes returned to the side under significant pressure after missing England’s heavy 253-run defeat in the second test at The Oval. Earlier this week, the all-rounder admitted he had never felt greater scrutiny during his four-year tenure as captain.
England are attempting to avoid their first home test series defeat since 2021 after a difficult period that also included a disappointing Ashes campaign during the northern winter.
The three-match series is level at 1-1. England won the opening test at Lord’s before New Zealand responded emphatically at The Oval to set up a winner-takes-all contest at Trent Bridge.
With batting conditions expected to remain favourable, New Zealand will look to build on their dominant start and turn a strong opening session into a substantial first-innings total.
