The scoreboard was on first name terms with 'Tom' and 'Kane' as the pair amassed 76 for the second wicket as part of New Zealand's 160 for two at tea on the opening day of the second test against Pakistan.
Tom Latham and Kane Williamson present a bright shop window for the New Zealand test game. Their patience took advantage against a Pakistani attack asked to bowl in a test for the first time this summer. Just as New Zealand had suffered in Abu Dhabi, the tables were turned and lethargy was evident. The performance confirmed the toss' importance.
Williamson was bowled by a classic slow left-arm orthodox delivery from Zulfiqar Babar for 32 just before tea. Latham was 84 and Ross Taylor was one at the interval.
Captain Brendon McCullum's call of 'heads' and his decision to bat might be the most crucial call he makes this test which, while a shame, is the reality on bald pitches where spinners, in today's case Babar and Yasir Shah, came on in the ninth and 12th overs respectively.
Latham exuded further gravitas as an opener. He knew where his off stump was, only played when he needed to, and looked at his best off the back foot punching through the offside. There was one exception when he edged Rahat Ali on 71 but it bounced before first slip. He repeated the blueprint of his maiden century in the first test.
