How did Conway become the first NZ batter to hit a double Test ton and a century in the same match?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Devon Conway's achievement as the first New Zealander to score a double-century and a century in one Test.
- He joins an elite group of 10 players in cricket history to accomplish this feat.
- Conway's performance underscores his consistency and skill in Test cricket.
- New Zealand leads the series 1-0 after two matches.
- The match was played at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Mount Maunganui, Dec 21 (NationPress) Devon Conway has carved out a monumental place in the annals of New Zealand cricket by achieving an extraordinary milestone during the decisive Test against the West Indies at Bay Oval. The left-handed opener has now become the first New Zealander to register both a double-century and a century within the same Test match.
Conway's stunning 227 in the first innings was followed by a steady 100 in the second, allowing him to reach the century mark just before tea on Day 4.
At 34 years old, he joins an exclusive group, becoming only the 10th player in the history of Test cricket to accomplish the rare feat of scoring a double-hundred and a century in a single match. This achievement places him alongside cricket legends such as Brian Lara, Graham Gooch, Kumar Sangakkara, Marnus Labuschagne, and Shubman Gill.
His epic first-innings performance set the stage for New Zealand's impressive total of 575 for 8. In response, the West Indies displayed resilience, managing to score 420 all out.
This century marks Conway's seventh in Test cricket, further highlighting his remarkable consistency at this elite level. New Zealand currently leads the three-match series 1-0, having drawn the opening Test in Christchurch and secured a nine-wicket victory in Wellington.
Conway's dismissal came shortly after tea, caught brilliantly by Jayden Seales at deep mid-wicket off Kavem Hodge's bowling. Conway had pulled the ball towards deep mid-wicket, but Seales made a fantastic leap to secure the catch.
His batting partner, Latham, also fell shortly after reaching his century, with the same duo of Hodge and Seales claiming the wicket for the West Indies. Just as Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra were closing in on their half-centuries, Latham signaled for declaration as the hosts set a challenging target of 462 runs for the visitors.