South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 2nd ODI, 5 Talking Points

Modified Feb 22, 2017 12:17 IST

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 22: Kane Williamson of New Zealand bats during game two of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Hagley Oval on February 22, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — Williamson made a handy half-century before falling to Tahir

#3 Tom Latham affected by keeping responsibilities?

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 22: Wicket keeper Tom Latham of New Zealand looks on during game two of the One Day International series between New Zealand and South Africa at Hagley Oval on February 22, 2017 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images) — Wicket keeping has affected Latham – the batsman

New Zealand have recently entrusted Tom Latham with keeping responsibilities despite having Tom Blundell in the past series and Luke Ronchi in this one. However, Latham's string of low scores have eerily coincided with New Zealand giving him keeping duties.

Latham averages 34.60 as a batsman in 46 ODIs against an average of 7.42 in seven ODIs as a keeper. Although the number of matches played is significantly skewed, the trend is pretty clear.

Dean Brownlie and George Worker are available as back up openers and it may not be long before the Kiwis run out of patience with Latham. This year, the southpaw has scored just nine runs in four innings at an average of 2.25, hardly stats that inspire confidence.

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Edited by Staff Editor