'Never enough': Conway leans on McKenzie wisdom in epic 300 stand

MOUNT MAUNGANUI (New Zealand) (AFP) – As Devon Conway walked onto Bay Oval Thursday to face the West Indies in his 32nd Test, a reminder of his long and varied career was plastered on his back.

The number 88 honours his idol and former teammate, South Africa's Neil McKenzie, who donned the 44 shirt.

If the South African-born Conway had his way, he'd have worn the same number, but he made his domestic debut alongside Mckenzie so decided to double it and take 88 instead.

The number stuck, even as he moved to New Zealand in 2017 to chase a chance at playing Test cricket.

McKenzie was one half of the world Test record for an opening partnership of 415, alongside former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, against Bangladesh in 2008.

As fate would have it, playing alongside his own captain in Tom Latham some 17 years later, Conway on Thursday etched his name on to that record list, but fell short of unseating his hero.

He and Latham combined for a 323-run opening stand on day one of the third Test against the West Indies in Mount Maunganui, on Thursday.

Conway led the way, ending the day unbeaten on 178 not out with Latham falling late in the day for 137.

Conway didn't knock off a world record, but he did edge past McKenzie in another way, with his sixth Test century -- one more than the South African.

"I mean, it's pretty surreal for me to see myself in that light," Conway said of comparisons with McKenzie.

"As you say, mention Neil McKenzie, certainly one of my idols."

It was advice given by McKenzie long ago which helped Conway to refocus during his 279-ball stay at the crease, batting all day against a tiring West Indies bowling attack.

"There was a moment today at drinks when Michael Bracewell reminded me: 'Remember what Macca said to you'.

"He said you've never got enough.

"You're on 130, the ball's not doing much, you know, it's a good time to cash in because the next innings you start on zero.

"The new ball, it's hard work. So, yeah, you've never got enough.

"That's something that he mentioned to me a long time ago that I've tried to pride myself whenever I get in, cash in to do a significant job for the team."

That mantra worked on Test debut, when Conway scored 200 against England at Lord's, and it could see him go higher on day two at Bay Oval.

If he does, it would knock off another McKenzie milestone, the South African's top score of 226.

But Conway said he was not thinking about records.

"You know, I think if you look too far ahead, particularly when you're batting, you can get yourself in trouble," he said.

"It's just about staying present, watching each ball as it comes and building a partnership."

New Zealand will resume on Friday on 334-1, with Conway alongside nightwatchman Duffy on nine.