Still, the hosts put up an inspired performance to end the game with more than two days to spare against a very confident South African side after beating India 2-1 in a three-Test home series.
It was the first time in 14 years that the Blackcaps had played a Test without Williamson, Taylor and Boult.
“Yeah, that’s obviously great for the team. It’s been documented that it’s been a long time since we’ve seen any of those three names (Williamson, Taylor and Boult) who are such an integral part of the team. team. I guess that speaks to the depth we are creating in New Zealand cricket…that guys who haven’t played a lot can step in and come and play straight away,” Latham said.
Yeah, that’s obviously great for the team. It’s been documented that it’s been a long time since we’ve seen any of these three names (Williamson, Taylor and Boult) who are integral to the team. I guess it speaks to the depth we create in New Zealand cricket
– Tom Latham, substitute New Zealand captain
However, a solid 33-year-old pace bowler, Tim Southee, reached a memorable milestone in the test, surpassing Sir Richard Hadlee’s record of being New Zealand’s highest wicket taker on home soil.
“Obviously (it’s) great for all of us to be together… it’s definitely a great way (to break the record). So yeah, it’s a test match that we’re very proud of and which we will celebrate tonight.
Latham said he was disappointed with the cancellation of the limited series against trans-Tasman rivals Australia due to his country’s strict Covid-19 protocols and travel restrictions.
“Obviously disappointing that this series is cancelled,” Latham said. “I guess the guys have been playing different forms of cricket whether it’s T20 cricket, one day cricket or first class cricket over the past few weeks. Even though we haven’t played a test match in about a month, I think the way we just got straight back to the beat of test cricket and started running, that was definitely how you wanted to start and I hope we can continue the momentum in the next test match.
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