Mount Maunganui, 18 December (H.S.): Brilliant centuries from Devon Conway (178 not out) and Tom Latham (137) led New Zealand to a position of complete dominance on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies at Mount Maunganui. The two openers displayed remarkable composure and concentration, frustrating the visiting bowlers throughout the day and guiding their side to a commanding start.

The Bay of Plenty lived up to its name, offering plenty — but only for the hosts. Thirty years after their last Test win in New Zealand, the West Indies arrived with renewed hopes, but as the day wore on, those ambitions steadily faded. Under Roston Chase’s leadership, the visitors could only watch as Conway and Latham produced a batting masterclass.Interestingly, in each of the last five Tests at this venue, at least one wicket had fallen in the first session — but not this time.

New Zealand’s regular skipper Kane Williamson endured one of the longest waits of his career to bat, as the opening pair showed no signs of vulnerability or fatigue.Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Tom Latham’s decision proved to be a masterstroke.

Exhibiting textbook batting technique, he compiled a fluent century — his 15th in Test cricket — and, in the process, crossed the 6,000-run mark as an opener in the format. He was eventually dismissed for 137 at 6:30 p.m., missing the rare feat of batting through the entire day by just one wicket.

At the other end, Devon Conway silenced critics with an exceptional return to form. After a series of low scores in recent matches, the left-hander produced one of his most patient innings on a pitch that initially offered assistance to seamers. Overcoming early movement and later battling cramps, Conway remained unbeaten on 178, playing his longest Test innings since his memorable double century at Lord’s four years ago.While the West Indian bowlers extracted some movement from the surface, they failed to maintain consistency.

Anderson Phillip and company bowled impressive spells in patches, but a lack of discipline cost them dearly. A dropped catch of Latham on 104 summed up the visitors’ frustrating day on the field.At stumps on Day One, New Zealand stood firmly at 334 for 1, completely dictating terms. The West Indies now face a daunting task as their batsmen will need to respond resiliently to recover from this early setback.

Stumps, Day One:New Zealand: 334/1 (Devon Conway 178*, Tom Latham 137; Kemar Roach 1/63)

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar