'Need three wickets in the morning'

A few weeks ago, Pakistan lost to Australia by an innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a game that saw the third innings of the match begin on the fifth day. Pakistan were bundled out in the last two session of the day in a match that was supposedly played on a batting-friendly track for most parts of the game.

Tom Latham, who led New Zealand's reply in the first innings with a fighting 177, reckons that the same can happen in this Test. The hosts, who until Day Four were hoping to avoid the follow-on, are now sensing a late win.

“Funny things happen on the last day of a Test as we saw in the Test against Pakistan in the last series. It's a massive job for us to do in the morning. If we can get three quick wickets, then you never know,” said Latham after stumps in Wellington yesterday when asked how he assessed the current situation of the game.

Bangladesh are poised at 66 for three and are 122 runs ahead with Imrul Kayes injured. Latham reckons that the wicket at the Basin Reserve on the fifth day will be good enough for a reasonable chase. 

“The game is probably about par at the moment. With them 500 and us 50 behind, it's pretty pleasing,” said Latham.

When asked if he thought that the visitors were under pressure, he said: “Possibly. They have been ahead a lot in this match. If we can get three wickets in the morning, get into that middle and lower tail. There's still plenty of overs in the day and anything can happen.” 

“It would be [pretty remarkable if New Zealand go on to win the Test]. It was a massive score. We batted our way back into the game and our bowlers did a great job. Funny things can happen in the morning. We have our plans. If we can stick to them and get a bit of luck then hopefully we may be batting tomorrow,” he added.

With regards to his innings, he was a bit disappointed not to have reached the double hundred.

“Obviously as a batsman you always want more and never want to get out. In the context of the match, it was pretty pleasing to make a significant contribution to the side and just build partnerships with the top order,” said Latham.