Century-maker Tom Latham said that he was pleased the way New Zealand were able to accumulate some runs on another rain affected day and be in a position from where they could put some pressure back on Sri Lanka when play resumes on the fifth and final day of the second cricket Test at the P Sara Oval today.
New Zealand ended the fourth day on 382-5 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 244 to lead by 138 runs.
“It’s nice that we managed to score quickly in that last session. The way Colin (de Grandhomme) came out and played in that last session was outstanding for us. To put us in a position is really good. Hopefully we can put some runs on the board and bowl at some stage and put Sri Lanka under pressure,” said Latham at the end of the day.
However with the intermittent weather that has affected all four days of the Test so far Latham said, “I am not 100 percent sure what sort of score we want to declare on. Must wait and see what sort of weather we are going to get tomorrow.”
“The wicket is turning. The new ball it turns around a bit for spinners. There is definitely something there for the bowlers and hopefully we can get a few wickets quickly. In these sorts of surfaces things tend to happen a bit too quickly and if we can get a couple we can get a couple in hurry. Will see what the weather is tomorrow and what the guys come up with plans from upstairs and we will take it on from there,” he said.
Latham contributed a massive 154 runs towards New Zealand’s total before being trapped lbw by Dilruwan Perera.
“Yes it was nice to contribute. Building the partnership with BJ (Watling) was crucial then De Grandhomme and BJ put up a partnership pretty quickly. Great to be on the position we are in now after some overs lost today,” said Latham.
“It’s great to come here and stick to a game plan. I’ve been to conditions like this. Not to Sri Lanka but to places like India and Bangladesh. To come out and stick to a game plan to certain bowlers over a long period of time was the pleasing thing. The heat and humidity were tough as well and great to be in position that we are in now,” said Latham who stuck it out in the middle for six hours.
“There are times you are put under pressure and you feel that you are struck to score. It’s about trying to wear down the bowlers and get them to come to your scoring areas. It has been a mindset thing. I have been under little bit of pressure and hopefully the tough times when they come back you can reflect on what went right,” he said.
“You need to have a plan for some bowlers. Low percentage of shots for certain bowlers and use the feet and play the sweep shot often. I just managed to do that. Those shot options sometimes are not the right options so you have to look at something different. Playing in New Zealand is completely different a little bit more down the ground. But in these conditions, playing square of the wicket. You have a plan for every bowler and you asses it before every Test match.”
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