Latham eager to make ODI opening role his own

Tom Latham is determined to nail down a regular place at the top of New Zealand's batting order in one-day internationals, as the Black Caps prepare to deal with Brendon McCullum's impending retirement.

Latham opens in Tests alongside Martin Guptill and has been given the opportunity to reprise that role in 50-over cricket after McCullum hurt his back during the second of five home ODIs against Sri Lanka.

Having batted at three in the first ODI, Latham has contributed scores of 17 not out, 42 and nine since being shifted back to the top of the order.

And with McCullum set to walk away from the international arena next month, the 23-year-old left hander is eager not to waste his opportunity.

"I definitely want to be opening. It's a position that suits my game," Latham is quoted as saying by the New Zealand Herald.

"If I can keep putting the numbers on the board, then hopefully those selection things will take care of themselves.

"For me, it's about playing good cricket shots and not slogging. You've got to come to the bowlers a little bit more and try and get them to bowl into your areas, but I wouldn't say I've changed my game at all.

"If I can bat time and play good cricket shots, depending who's at the other end, hopefully we can get the team off to a good start."

Latham insists he feels no additional pressure due to the vacancy that will be created by McCullum's imminent international retirement.

"I wouldn't say it's motivating, I think it's important for me to go out and play my game and let those selection things take care of itself," he added.

"Keep putting the numbers on the board and hopefully you make the selectors pick you."