That\u2019s also not counting the fact he\u2019s scored centuries in One-Day International cricket, as far back as February this year. <\/p>\n
And yet, when the Black Caps begin their home test summer against the West Indies in Christchurch, Latham raising the bat for his 14th century in the format \u2013 extending a record he already owns as New Zealand\u2019s most prolific opener \u2013 would be a sight for sore eyes.<\/p>\n
Even without a century against the West Indies, Latham still averages close to 44 against the men from the Caribbean, with four half-centuries and a best of 86.<\/p>\n
Speaking before the series opener, though, Latham made the point that his job is about so much more than personal milestones.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny time you get the opportunity, you want to do well, you want to keep improving,\u201d Latham explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom my point of view, it\u2019s about trying to do my role as best I can. What that looks like from first innings to second innings may be slightly different.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I want to put the team in a strong position as best I can. If that means bringing up a milestone, then great. If it doesn\u2019t, that\u2019s the way it is. <\/p>\n
Tom Latham on day one of the first test against England last year. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I perform as best I can for the team, that\u2019s all I can ask for.\u201d <\/p>\n
As test captain, Latham would be within his rights to point out arguably the biggest factor in his lack of centuries \u2013 a lack of matches.<\/p>\n
This series will have New Zealand playing just their third, fourth and fifth tests of the year. What\u2019s more, thanks to a shoulder injury in Zimbabwe, they\u2019ll also be Latham\u2019s first of 2025.<\/p>\n
In fact, so bare is the cupboard that in facing the West Indies, the Black Caps begin their 2025-27 cycle of the World Test Championship \u2013 the last country to do so.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, that trend won\u2019t continue in 2026. Over the next 12 months, the Black Caps have arguably their most exciting block of test cricket in years, with away tours to England and Australia on either side of a home series against India.<\/p>\n
And with that prospect, Latham sees no issue in the trade-off between the lack of red-ball cricket and the surplus of white-ball matches that have filled New Zealand\u2019s calendar so far. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt comes down to the schedule,\u201d he continued. \u201cIf you ask me this question in 12 months\u2019 time, it\u2019ll be slightly different. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have so much coming up, but it\u2019s just the way it falls with ICC events that are popping up in the new year.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus is on these three test matches. If we do that well, we\u2019ll move into June as the next time we play.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a nice chance to do it well here in New Zealand, hopefully we can give it a good crack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Latham was unable to confirm the Black Caps\u2019 first XI of the test summer, with the pair of Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner both facing late fitness tests to earn their spots for the series opener. <\/p>\n