Latham carries bat as New Zealand leave Sri Lanka reeling

Tom Latham carried his bat on the way to a double-century as New Zealand took complete control of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Latham made an unbeaten 264 at Basin Reserve in Wellington, guiding the Black Caps to 578 – a lead of 296 runs – on Monday.

It marked the opener's first double-century as he broke the record for the highest Test score by a player who carried the bat.

Latham, who played several exquisite drives during his innings, now also holds the sixth-highest Test score by a New Zealand batsman.

The @BasinReserve stands as one to applaud Tom Latham who finishes 264 not-out - the 6th highest Test score by a NZ male. BLACKCAPS 578 all out, a lead of 296 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/tontbLg3oY

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 17, 2018

Making matters worse for Sri Lanka, they were reduced to 20-3 at stumps on day three, still trailing by 276 runs and staring at defeat.

The day belonged to Latham, who resumed on 121 and lost Ross Taylor (50) early to a superb catch close in by Dimuth Karunaratne.

While Sri Lanka created some half-chances, Latham looked generally in control of his fine innings as he went past his previous high score of 177.

Henry Nicholls (50) provided some support before falling, while BJ Watling (0) was out to a short ball from Lahiru Kumara (4-127).

Latham remained relatively calm in his approach and he brought up his double-century with a clip through midwicket for a single.

Tom Latham's first Test double century and the 23rd by a New Zealand male has the BLACKCAPS on top at 509-6 at tea on day three. The lead is 227. Scorecard | https://t.co/lARlh13aT7 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/AGOIvrDZTl

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 17, 2018

Colin de Grandhomme (49) was entertaining, hitting three sixes during his innings before departing chasing more quick runs.

Latham continued to build the Black Caps' lead with little support from the lower order as the hosts took complete control.

Looking for some wickets before stumps, Tim Southee (2-7) and Trent Boult (1-12) delivered.

DEADLY DUO! Trent Boult and Tim Southee claim an early wicket each! @OfficialSLC 13/2 CARD | https://t.co/eAi0AmMOt9#NZvSL pic.twitter.com/dBxJrlhoxn

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 17, 2018

Boult trapped Danushka Gunathilaka (3) lbw and the opener wasted a review before Southee bowled Dhananjaya de Silva (0).

Karunaratne (10) also went before stumps, recklessly hooking Southee to Boult as Sri Lanka made a miserable start to their second innings.