HAMILTON, New Zealand, Dec 14, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Openers Tom Latham and Will Young handed New Zealand a prime start to the third Test against England in Hamilton on Saturday, combining for an unbroken stand of 93.

After being asked to bat first, captain Latham was on 36 at lunch while Young marked his recall by reaching 42 as the home side comfortably made the best start to any innings in the series.

England are chasing a clean sweep after clinching their first series victory on New Zealand soil since 2008 with big wins in Christchurch and Wellington.

They made little headway in 28 overs at a warm Seddon Park, creating only one half-chance when Latham -- on 12 -- offered a low, difficult catch to Ben Duckett in the slips off Matthew Potts (0-33).

The highest opening partnership by either side in a series dominated by seam bowlers had been 18.

After a watchful start, Young scored 40 of his 42 runs through boundaries, including nine through the off-side.

Young was one of two changes to New Zealand's team, replacing out-of-form opener Devon Conway, who made himself unavailable to attend his child's birth.

Young's omission from the first two Tests was a source of contention after he was named player of the series for his run-scoring deeds during New Zealand's recent 3-0 series win over India.

The second change was a recall for spinner Mitchell Santner in place of seamer Nathan Smith.

It is Santner's first appearance since he took a career-best 13 wickets in the second Test win over India in Pune in October.

England's XI was revealed on Friday, with seamer Potts selected for his 10th Test in place of Chris Woakes.