Tom Latham joins Stephen Fleming in THIS Unique Feat for New Zealand in Tests

Tom Latham was in fine form in the second Test against Bangladesh in Christchurch. The left-hander, who impressed in the series against India, was under the pump heading into the Christchurch Test. Having lost the Bay Oval Test for the first time against Bangladesh, Tom Latham needed to lead from the front. The New Zealand skipper, leading this side because of Kane Williamson’s absence, blasted a magnificent 252 and shared partnerships of 148 and 215 with Will Young and Devon Conway.

Latham’s 252 helped New Zealand reach 521/6 declared on day 2 of the Hagley Oval Test. In response, Trent Boult picked up five wickets and went past 300 wickets to ensure New Zealand had a lead of 395. Bangladesh’s 126 all-out was a big blow in their quest to win an away series for the first time since 2009.

But, Latham’s knock of 252 put him in an elite list. The left-hander joined another left-handed captain in Stephen Fleming as the only other Kiwi batsman to hit two scores of 250+ in Tests.

Tom Latham in an elite list of International stars

Prior to Latham’s 252 against Bangladesh, he had smashed 264 against Sri Lanka in the Wellington Test of 2018. Latham carried his bat throughout the innings as New Zealand secured brilliant innings win. On the other hand, Stephen Fleming had two high scores of 274 and 262. The knock of 274* was achieved in the 2003 Test against Sri Lanka at the P Sara Stadium in Colombo. In that same match, he also hit 69.

Read – Trent Boult enters elite list of bowlers in Hagley Oval Test vs Bangladesh

But, Fleming’s crowning glory came in the 2006 Test in Cape Town against South Africa. Fleming’s 262 included 31 fours and two sixes and he shared a partnership of 266 for the eighth wicket with James Franklin who hit 122.

Latham is also in an elite list of batsmen

But, Latham entered a special list of players who have hit 250+ scores more than twice. Brian Lara hit 375 and 400 in what remains the highest individual score in Tests. In fact, Lara has three scores of 250+, thanks to a 277 against Australia in Sydney. Younis Khan hit a triple century against Sri Lanka and 267 against India. Chris Gayle is one of the two individuals to hit two triple tons. Sir Don Bradman tops the list with five scores of 250+, making him a freak. Sir Walter Hammond, Sanath Jayasuriya and David Warner are the other stars who have hit two scores of 250+ in cricket. Here is the complete list.