NZ captain targets Test series victory over England after dominant 253-run win at The Oval

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New Zealand captain Tom Latham has challenged his side to continue “raising the bar” as they head into the third and final Test against England at Trent Bridge, aiming to secure a memorable Test series victory.

Fresh from a commanding 253-run triumph at The Oval, New Zealand have built significant momentum despite the surprise retirement of veteran batter Kane Williamson just days before the second Test. Latham praised his team’s response, highlighting the collective effort that helped them overcome the absence of one of their greatest players.

Speaking ahead of the Trent Bridge encounter, Latham said New Zealand’s success was built on staying true to their traditional Test-match approach. He described the victory at The Oval as an “old-school” performance, emphasizing patience, discipline, and sustained pressure over long periods.

“Any series you step into, the end goal is to achieve the results you want,” Latham said. “What’s important is the work we do beforehand and sticking to the things we do well. Last week was a great example of how we operated. It may have been a little different from the modern style of Test cricket, but it showed the value of consistency and persistence.”

The skipper believes his team has improved with every match in the series and is eager to see further progress in Nottingham. He stressed that New Zealand must continue adapting to conditions while maintaining the methods that have brought them success.

New Zealand will, however, be without fast bowler Kyle Jamieson for the Trent Bridge Test. Jamieson has been rested as part of a workload-management plan following his recovery from a back stress fracture. Latham reassured fans that the pacer is fully fit and that his absence had been planned in advance.

“There’s nothing to worry about regarding Kyle,” Latham explained. “The plan was always for him to play the first two Tests and then be managed carefully.”

Blair Tickner is expected to replace Jamieson in the playing XI, while all-rounder Mitchell Santner is also under consideration. With hot weather forecast in England, New Zealand are evaluating the possibility of fielding a frontline spinner for the first time in the series.

Latham praised Santner’s commitment after the all-rounder recovered from a shoulder injury earlier than expected to join the squad. He believes Santner’s ability to generate turn on different surfaces could make him a valuable asset if conditions favour spin.

“For Mitch to get himself ready for this tour was a testament to the work he put in,” Latham said. “If we choose that option, we know he can be a threat throughout all five days.”

Trent Bridge has historically been a challenging venue for bowlers due to its quick outfield and relatively short boundaries. Latham experienced that firsthand in 2022 when England successfully chased 299 in the fourth innings under his captaincy, powered by the aggressive batting of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow.

Reflecting on that experience, Latham acknowledged the scoring opportunities available at the venue but believes New Zealand are better prepared this time around. He noted that understanding the conditions and adapting quickly will be crucial to controlling the flow of runs.

The New Zealand captain remains confident that his side can build on their impressive performance at The Oval and finish the series strongly. With a series win on the line, the visitors are determined to continue their upward trajectory and deliver another disciplined Test-match display against England at Trent Bridge.