Latham is aiming to 'make up lost time' for Bears

NEW Zealand Test captain Tom Latham is fit to make his Warwickshire debut in the Rothesay County Championship - and a match-up against his former club Surrey.

- By BRIGG FORD

Latham's arrival at Edgbaston was delayed by four weeks after he broke his hand in the nets with his New Zealand club Canterbury in March.

However, the injury did not require surgery and the 33-year-old, who landed in Birmingham on Tuesday, is in contention to make his first Bears start today.

"It's nice to finally be here," said Latham following a net session on Edgbaston's Colts Ground. "It's been great to meet all the guys and get stuck into a bit of training.

"I was disappointed to be ruled out for the first few games, but now I'm here I want to make up for lost time, put my best foot forward and help the team win games of cricket for Warwickshire.

"I've been back hitting for a couple of weeks, everything is tracking in the right direction and I'm looking forward to the game."

Latham made five red-ball appearances for Surrey in 2023 (with an average of 39.75), hitting three half-centuries and a high score of 99 against Somerset.