Hamilton Test: Latham ton leads NZ charge on rain-curtailed day

Hamilton (New Zealand), Nov 29  A brilliant century from opener Tom Latham helped New Zealand take charge on a rain-curtailed opening day of the second and final Test against England at the Seddon Park here on Friday.

At the stumps on Day 1, the hosts were 173/3, having Latham and Henry Nicholls at the crease on 101 and 5 respectively. Only three deliveries could be bowled in the final session of the day before rain arrived to play spoilsport and no further play was possible.

Earlier, England skipper Joe Root won the toss and elected to bowl. His decision proved right instantly as the hosts lost Jeet Raval in the seventh over, with team's total of 16. Williamson, who came in next, also couldn't stay long and was caught at slips by his England counterpart off the bowling of Chris Woakes.

However, Ross Taylor used all his experience and batted with patience to take New Zealand out of hot waters. Both Taylor and Latham played cautiously and played the balls on their merit.

The duo stitched a 116-run stand for the third wicket before Taylor, just after reaching his half century, became the second scalp of Woakes before the end of the second session.

Nicholls, who came in next, then joined Latham who looked comfortable right from the start and scored his 11th Test hundred.

Both took the hosts to Tea break without any further damage.

In the last session, only three balls were bowled by Jofra Archer before rain came and stayed long enough to force the umpires call for an early stump.

Brief scores: New Zealand 171/3 at Stumps on Day 1 (Tom Latham 101*, Ross Taylor 53, Chris Woakes 2/41)