Need to adjust to low and slow conditions: Tom Latham

New Zealand opener Tom Latham stressed the importance of adjusting to the slow and low conditions in Zimbabwe as they are taking part in a two-match Test series against the hosts.

“The conditions are low and slow compared to what we have back home and we need to adjust to it…It is about [being] patient and playing the long game,” Latham said. “It is more about the patience side of things, you are not going to go and blast quick runs over here. So, it’s about the patience game, and wear the bowlers down, and bat for a day or four sessions, and that is probably the biggest thing for the whole batting group.”

New Zealand beat Zimbabwe A in the warm-up match by 259 runs and he said that the win drew confidence to the team ahead of the first match. “It was a good three days for the whole group,” Latham said. “Everyone spent a little bit time at the crease and got enough overs under their belt to put them in good stead for the Test match coming up.”

“That’s the beauty of coming over nice and early. We have not played a Test for a while and it is about getting used to the long form and being patient with all facets of the game. Certainly a beneficial couple of weeks for us, and I know the boys are looking forward to the first Test,” he spoke about the advantages of coming early for the tour.

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He is wary about Zimbabwe’s capabilities at their own home turf. “Zimbabwe are certainly very good in their home conditions and they showed it last year in the one-day series we had over here last year,” he said.

The 24-year old also praised his skipper saying that his experience will be key for the team as he leads from the front. “He [Kane Williamson] is a very switched-on guy and certainly leads from the front with his batting. He has had enough experience throughout his career and I’m sure he is going to do a fantastic job.”

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