Devon Conway described his mindset after sharing a colossal 323-run opening partnership with Tom Latham in the third Test against West Indies at Mount Maunganui. “The goal was to bat big, bat well, and give our bowlers a chance to bowl in the fourth innings,” Conway explained, reflecting on a day when New Zealand finished 334 for 1, with Latham dismissed for 137 just before stumps and Conway unbeaten on 178.
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first on a green wicket — a choice they hadn’t made in a home Test since 2011. Both openers rose to the occasion. “Once we decided to go with Jazzy [Ajaz Patel], we knew we’d bat,” Conway said. “Mentally, I was prepared. I had a feeling they would see the green wicket and probably want to bowl first given their attack.”
The early stages were challenging. “In the first 15-20 overs, they were bowling in good areas and moving the ball a lot. That first hour was a battle. Funny enough, I told Tom at lunch I almost felt like I forgot how to bat… everything felt awkward. The trigger is just part of the game, and sometimes you have to remind yourself to get through it.”
Once Conway and Latham settled in, scoring became easier. Conway struck 25 boundaries over the day, taking advantage of a slightly softer ball and a pitch that began to offer good scoring opportunities. “I try to play with freedom and a positive mindset,” he said. “After lunch, I wanted to capitalise on anything they missed and put pressure back on the bowlers.”
Conway admitted that recent struggles could have built pressure. Two-thirds of his last 39 innings had ended before reaching 30 runs. “I just try to stay focused on the job for the team and my role,” he said. “I’m happy it came off today, but it’s about being present and doing what’s needed for the team.”
The opener also highlighted the challenges of batting at the top of the order. “Opening is underappreciated globally. It’s tough, especially when you face a green pitch on day one. You have to be disciplined and wait for the ball that’s meant for you.” He praised Latham, noting his 15th Test century and his experience across New Zealand grounds.
With Conway just 22 runs shy of surpassing his highest Test score — the double-century he made on debut at Lord’s — he emphasized keeping his focus on the present. “If you look too far ahead while batting, you can get into trouble. Our goal is to keep West Indies under pressure, bat for long periods, and let the pitch flatten out to give our spinners a chance later in the Test.”
Looking ahead to day two, Conway’s approach is simple: “I just want to stay in the process, focus on each ball, and keep building partnerships at the other end.”
