Tom Latham: New Zealand’s quiet stand-in skipper making all the right noises

The New Zealand Cricket team has displayed a different brand of cricket that has put the world on notice. The characteristics of the New Zealand cricket team remain the same, focused, determined, and unassuming. Their first two games of the ODI World Cup 2023 though have shown that extra edge needed to win the tournament.

Tom Latham has been the driving force for the Kiwis since the time Kane Williamson got injured during the IPL 2023 season. The Kiwi wicket-keeper has shown the right captaincy acumen to put his team right at the top of the table.

The last two tournaments in 2015 and 2019 saw the Kiwis reach the finals and end as runners-up. Brendon McCullum lit up the 2015 ODI World Cup with his dynamic and attacking play. Kane Williamson was a different breed by the time the 2019 ODI World Cup arrived as the big trophy eluded them again.

The same team but a different outlook shows the Tom Latham effect –

Before the first ball of the ODI World Cup 2023 was bowled many had earmarked England as the outright favourites. There was a very good reason for it, Jos Buttler’s team had blanked the Kiwis just a few weeks ago in the ODI series.

Things though changed in Ahmedabad, it was New Zealand who played like World Champions on that day. The very first game of the ODI World Cup 2023 saw the black-caps dominate the defending champions.

What had changed? The simple answer is the approach. Tom Latham’s move of sending Rachin Ravindra at number three had changed the entire equation. The unbroken 273-run stand between Ravindra and Devon Conway brutalized the English bowling. The youngster played like he was already a veteran of 100 ODI games.

Tom Latham behind the stumps is pretty much like MS Dhoni, keeps ringing the changes, and those worked out. A case in point is the introduction of Mitchell Santner early in Ahmedabad. Santner despite being touted as the next Daniel Vettori has never gotten going with the Kiwi team.

At Ahmedabad it was different, while the rest of the bowlers were travelling at over 4.8 per over, the left-arm spinner gave away 37. It was as if Tom Latham was sending a message, the team may be the same but the approach is going to be different.

It is said a good commander is one who doesn’t make too much noise but lets his achievements speak. If Tom Latham does keep his captaincy hat on there is a good chance New Zealand could win the ODI World Cup 2023.

The Kiwis come against another familiar opponent in Bangladesh on Friday in Chennai. Something tells us this Black Caps side is just a different breed that is hungry for success and Tom Latham could be the catalyst.