Trott talks up Root

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Jonathan Trott could not help but be impressed by his partner in crime Joe Root after the duo led England to a series-levelling victory over New Zealand in the second one-day international.

Trott and Root combined in a remarkably assured unbroken 121-run stand yesterday, finishing unbeaten on 65 and 79 respectively as the tourists chased 270 to triumph by eight wickets at Napier.

Such efforts are to be expected from the former, now a veteran of 56 ODIs, yet maybe not so much Root, who now averages a remarkable 74.50 in seven games.

The 22-year-old’s consistency is best illustrated by him yesterday becoming the first player to pass 30 in each of his opening six ODI innings - doubtless one of the many reasons he has impressed Trott.

“Joe’s a very impressive young lad,” said Trott. “It’s important to keep developing as a young player, and appreciate how tough international cricket can be.

"It’s a fantastic start for him, and he looks a fine talent. As long as he continues to work hard, and guys around him support him, his future certainly looks bright.”

Jonathan Trott has tipped Joe Root for a "bright future" after the 22-year-old further enhanced his stock with 79 not out at Napier

Root’s form could well leave England’s selectors with a welcome headache in future given he, Trott, Ian Bell, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan could potentially be battling for just five batting slots when everyone is available.

Ashley Giles and Co may have much to ponder as they finalise that facet - but fitness permitting, no brainstorming will be required to confirm James Anderson and Steven Finn as first-choice new-ball bowlers.

After watching the pair in action yesterday, when they each conceded just 11 runs in their first six overs and Anderson went on to take five wickets, Trott certainly needs no further convincing.

Trott said: “It creates opposition batsmen having to take risks against them, which obviously gives you the chance of wickets. We saw their two openers try to take them on a little bit, and they were two down quite early.

“That’s definitely a goal of any team winning the toss and bowling first. We managed to do that, and set up a big game.”

England did precious little wrong at McLean Park, including a telling response to Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor’s 53-ball century stand that had left New Zealand scenting a bigger total than their eventual 269.

“We’re very pleased with the whole 100 overs,” added Trott, who warns against obsessing about the threat of McCullum and Taylor to the exclusion of others.

“They are fantastic players, who can turn a game. They are the danger. But they’ve also got a lot of other good players who could hurt us. So you don’t want to focus all your attention on just those two.

“It’s important to keep our wits about us and not get too over-confident, complacent or think the game is there for the taking.”