Joe Root has been hailed for "parking his ego" as he notched his 29th Test match hundred against New Zealand, drawing him level with the legendary Sir Don Bradman.
Root entered the second Test on his longest run without a century in more than two years, having last reached three figures against India in July, and also spoke openly about getting "a bit caught up" in 'Bazball' and "trying to find out what my role is" under England's new regime.
He added that he felt his half-century in the first Test in Mount Maunganui had given him a "kick up the backside" and Root was undoubtedly back to his best in Wellington as he struck an unbeaten 101.
With Harry Brook taking centre stage at the other end, Root was composed and in control on his way to his century. He struck just four boundaries and scored at a strike-rate of 55.49 as opposed to Brook, who smashed 29 boundaries and motored at 108.87.
And former England captain Sir Alastair Cook was full of praise for Root for playing his own game and not attempting to match Brook's stunning ball striking. "Joe Root's just played an innings of pure and utter class," he told BT Sport.
"He's looked in total and utter control, it's been pretty ruthless. I can't even remember a false shot in tough conditions and there was a bit of emotion in the celebration.
"There was quite a telling interview in between the Test matches where he said he's just struggled to find where exactly he fits in the side. There's no doubt about it, he wants to be the number one batsman in the team and overt the last few games other people have been getting the headlines.
"When you're a great like he is, he still wants to be number one and that will mean a lot to him. He parked his ego today, he didn't try to compete, he used all his experience, said 'Harry you go your way, I'll be there for the team' and got that 100 he so desperately craved, the first one this winter."
And Brook felt he and Root formed a "perfect partnership" as they rescued England after they fell to 21-3. "He's unbelievable to bat with, I've played plenty of games with him now and I enjoy every game," Brook told BT Sport.
"I think we were a perfect partnership there. He obviously struggled a little bit at the start and couldn't quite middle anything but then as he got into it later into his innings, he was the Joe Root everyone knows and loves. Another hundred he can tick off."
