“On The Right Side Of Couple Of Tosses..” : Tom Latham Reacts After Historic Series Win

October 27, 2024: New Zealand cricket captain Tom Latham attributed a bold, aggressive strategy and favorable toss wins as key elements in New Zealand’s historic 2-0 Test series victory over India, which ended India’s formidable 18-series unbeaten streak on home soil.

After a comprehensive 113-run win in the second Test at the MCA Stadium, the victory has secured New Zealand’s place in cricket history, marking them as the first team to clinch a series win in India in nearly seven decades.

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Reflecting on the series, Latham emphasized the importance of his team’s approach to set the tone early in each game. “We’ve wanted to compete and wanted to fire a shot first up,” he said, crediting both batting and bowling successes as critical. Winning the tosses in both Tests—first in the rain-impacted game in Bengaluru, where India was bowled out for a record-low 46, and then in Pune—allowed New Zealand to exploit favorable conditions from the start, an advantage that Latham acknowledged was crucial to their success.

Mitchell Santner’s performance was another highlight, with a 13-wicket haul in the second Test that ranks among the best bowling achievements by a visiting player in India. Latham expressed pride in Santner’s contribution, noting the experience Santner has gained from his time with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. “For him to come here and bowl the way that he’s bowled over the last couple of days, the group is really proud of him,” Latham said.

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This series win is particularly meaningful for Latham, who took on the captaincy from Tim Southee just before the tour. Describing it as a personally monumental experience, Latham reflected on the significance of leading New Zealand to a record-breaking victory: “It’s obviously an immensely proud moment for this group. A lot of New Zealand teams have come here over the past 69 years…and to be the first team to win a series over here is immensely special.”

The two teams will face off once more in the third Test, scheduled to be held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to 5, but New Zealand’s series victory has already left an indelible mark on the tour.