Tom Latham hasn’t had a bad start to his career by any stretch of the imagination, but the ambitious 19 year-old certainly wasn’t satisfied with his performance in his first two One Day Internationals.
Despite making respectable scores of 24 and 48 against Zimbabwe so far, Latham believes he could have achieved more in his opportunities with the bat, but is enjoying the experience all the same.
“I felt I’ve gone alright. It was nice to get a couple out of the middle of the bat. As a batsman you always want to score a few more runs than you actually get,” said Latham.
“To get 24 on debut - as I’ve said I would have liked a few more.
“I’ve really enjoyed the last week and a half. Just the intensity they play at is a step up from domestic level.”
It’s been clear that the young Cantabrian has what it takes to make the jump as well. While he may have looked slightly uncomfortable at the beginning of his innings, the 48 he scored in the second ODI included a pair of big sixes, something that set the crowd into a frenzy at Cobham Oval.
Although he may have shown that he has the competency to survive against Zimbabwe, Latham accepts that, should he be selected, the South African series will prove a much bigger challenge.
It’s doubtful even that would get to the young man though, as he has shown that the ability to adapt to any situation at an incredible rate. However, like any good cricketer and as hard as it may be, Latham is trying to concentrate on the next match in front of him.
“When I’ve gone out to bat it’s been pretty self-explanatory really. (It’s) just taking the opportunity I’ve been given and getting on with it.
“If I get picked for that (South Africa series) I’ll take it with both hands, but my focus is Napier and the third ODI.”
