Special feeling to be named full-time captain for New Zealand: Tom Latham

Left-hand batter Tom Latham recently was appointed as the new full-time Test captain of New Zealand and took over from Tim Southee. The 32-year-old is set to lead the Black Caps in their upcoming three-match Test series against India, beginning October 16  for the first time as a full-time skipper. 

The decision to give Latham the responsibility comes after New Zealand's 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka under Southee. With nine matches as stand-in captain under his belt, Latham has led the team before.

“It's a special feeling to be named full-time captain. It's a massive honour and a huge privilege. I think in the past, it's always been a little bit of a caretaker role…But, I guess, it's a different situation where I would be able to put a little bit of my own spin on things and what that looks like,” the 32-year-old Latham said in a short video posted by New Zealand Cricket.

Watch Tom Latham's video on captaincy here:

It will be a great challenge: Tom Latham

The upcoming series against India will be a huge challenge for Latham with the three Tests, scheduled to be played in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Notably, the Kiwis will be without their star batter Kane Williamson for at least the opening Test in Bengaluru. Williamson is still recovering from a groin strain sustained during the Sri Lanka series. In his absence, the Kiwis have included Mark Chapman in the squad as cover.

Also Read: New Zealand announce squad for Test series against India, Kane Williamson to miss 1st Test

“I am not 100 percent sure yet, but hopefully we will see where it does look a little bit different. As a Test team, in the past, we have a done huge amount of good things. We have been successful playing a brand of cricket that is true to us as Kiwis. It's a great group, a bunch of leaders, a bunch of older guys, and also some amazing talent coming through. So it's certainly an exciting time and yeah, it will be a great challenge,” he added.