Take a bow Tom Latham. Latham knocked a delightful test century to push the Black Caps along to 243/3 at the end of day 1 of the 2nd test. Latham's knock was highlighted by some crisp on-drives and a few sweeps, it's not a coincidence that he's been our best batsmen while enjoying a good sweep as well.

Latham and skipper Brendon McCullum got the Black Caps off to a good start, getting us through the first hour and to 77 before McCullum fell victim to himself. I've got no worries there as we all know what to expect of McCullum, there's no point asking him to tone it down just because you want to see the captain knuckle down. He played his shots and got the scoreboard ticking over, but most importantly, he batted some time.

That's crucial because in the 1st test, wickets fell quickly. Here, while McCullum (43), Kane Williamson (32) and Ross Taylor (23) would be disappointed to get starts and not kick on, they didn't crumble and their small innings' ensured the Black Caps finishing the day only 3 wickets down.

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Williamson and Taylor look a bit iffy though. Williamson was alright, but not what we have come to expect of him while Taylor just didn't look comfortable. A forward defensive shot where he was reaching half a metre out in front of his pad was an example, he looked loose and never looked in control.

I like the fact that Mike Hesson kept the same team. They simply have to find a way to play better cricket, they can't rely on some one else to come in and help out. Latham has shown his lads the blueprint - stay compact, stay still and be patient.

With Corey Anderson and Latham at the crease, expect them to start again today and then look to up the ante. They would probably want to bowl at Pakistan late in the day but they must earn that right by batting well throughout the day. A few lofty blows from Anderson and Jimmy Neesham would go down nicely.