“Your bloody finger…”: Tom Latham attacks umpire Alex Wharf with abusive remark - BAN incoming?

The first Test in Christchurch turned into a mix of drama, controversy, and history as the West Indies produced one of the greatest fourth-innings fights ever seen, while New Zealand captain Tom Latham found himself in the middle of a heated moment with the on-field umpire Alex Wharf.

The final day of the first Test had already been frustrating for New Zealand at the Hagley Oval. They had used all three of their reviews without success, and the pressure kept building as the West Indies refused to give up in the three-match Test series opener in Christchurch.

Tom Latham caught in umpire controversy during Christchurch Test

In the 143rd over of the West Indies’ chase, Kemar Roach survived a caught-behind appeal even though replays later showed he had edged the ball. With no reviews left, the New Zealand players couldn’t do anything about it, and that moment intensified the emotions to an extreme degree.

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Cameras soon caught Tom Latham and Michael Bracewell walking towards umpire Alex Wharf. The audio from the broadcast picked up Latham angrily telling the umpire to raise his finger. Tom Latham was heard saying, “Come on Wharfy (Alex Wharf), get your bloody finger up, mate.”

Tom Latham’s remark instantly raised eyebrows, and now fans are wondering whether the New Zealand captain could face action for his language towards the official.

Tom Latham to umpire “Come on Wharfy (Alex Wharf), get your bloody finger up, mate.”

pic.twitter.com/53TMekcfNR

— Azam-K (@MusafirNagri) December 6, 2025

What says the ICC Rules?

The seasoned batter Tom Latham’s actions against Wharf fall under Level 1 and Level 2 of 2.8 Article of the ICC Code of Conduct, showing ‘dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match.’

Level 1 includes minor dissent like shaking the head, excessive disappointment, foul language, or aggressive appeals, resulting in a warning and up to a 50% match fee fine.

Level 2 covers serious dissent, charging umpires, or insulting language. If the player is found guilty, he can be fined 50% or 100% of his match fees and may also face a suspension of one Test match or two ODIs.

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West Indies fall just short of record fourth-innings chase as they draw Christchurch Test

While Latham’s outburst at the umpire grabbed attention, the real story of the day belonged to the West Indies. Their fight on the final day was simply sensational. Justin Greaves played the innings of his life, scoring an incredible 202 not out in the fourth innings of a Test match.

At one stage, Greaves had New Zealand genuinely worried about the possibility of a miracle chase of 531 runs. He found perfect support from Kemar Roach, who produced his best-ever batting performance in his 86-Test career. Roach stayed unbeaten on 58 after facing 233 balls in a marathon effort that stretched for more than four and a half hours.

Greaves and Roach completely shut New Zealand out of the game after lunch, as the hosts couldn’t pick up a single wicket. By the end of the final day, the West Indies finished on 457 for 6 in 163.3 overs, falling just 74 runs short of the highest successful chase in Test history.

Their total now sits as one of the biggest fourth-innings scores ever made in five-day Test cricket. Only England’s massive 654 during the 1939 Timeless Test is higher. The West Indies also still hold the record for the highest successful chase, and that was the famous 418 against Australia in 2003.