MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand (CMC) — West Indies were left to toil under a relentless New Zealand sun on the opening day of the third and final Test at Bay Oval as the hosts seized total control with a commanding batting display, finishing the day on a formidable 334 for the loss of just one wicket.

The day belonged entirely to New Zealand’s opening pair — Devon Conway and Tom Latham — who constructed a mammoth 323-run partnership.

Their stand, which lasted a gruelling 86 overs, is now the highest opening partnership ever recorded for New Zealand on home soil and the second-highest in their Test history.

The tourists’ breakthrough finally came when veteran seamer Kemar Roach dismissed Latham for a well-made 137, but the damage was already profound.

Conway remains at the crease, unbeaten on a majestic 178, and will look to convert it into a double-century when play resumes on day two.

Facing the media at the close of a punishing day, West Indies Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith conceded the challenge but insisted his side would not capitulate.

“It was a tough day, and it’s cricket. That’s how it goes,” Griffith stated. “Sometimes you have a tough time and sometimes you have some easier days, right? However, yes, Devon and Tom played well. I thought the partnership that they put on set the game up for New Zealand.”

Griffith defended the effort of his bowling attack, suggesting the Kiwi batters simply weathered the storm. “Well, you may say we didn’t make the best use of it. I thought the bowlers came in, Jayden [Seales] and Kemar [Roach], thought they bowled well. They had New Zealand, but not really scoring. But I thought the two batters released well; they played the situation in a good fashion.”

With New Zealand in a position to bat the West Indies out of the contest, the visiting coach emphasised the need for resilience from a seasoned squad.

“We have experienced players in our dressing room. And we know the positive will continue passing around that dressing room,” he said. “The game is still in progress, so we’ve been through this before. These guys are accustomed to a situation like this, and we will become better.”

West Indies pacer Kemar Roach (left) reaches for his hamstring after bowling his last ball of the opening day during the third international Test cricket match against New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Thursday. Also pictured is New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy. (Photo: AFP)

GRIFFITH… these guys are accustomed to a situation like this, and we will become better (Photo: CWI Media)