Nick Compton has proven he has the ability and temperament to open in the Ashes against Australia, according to England batting partner Jonathan Trott.
The retirement of former captain Andrew Strauss last year prompted head scratching in England over who would partner new skipper Alastair Cook at the top of the innings.
The jury remained out following Compton’s mixed debut series in India but the 29-year-old has virtually cemented his berth with back-to-back centuries against New Zealand.
A duck in the first Test at Dunedin was followed by 117 to help force a draw.
He followed that with 100 on the first day at the Basin Reserve on Thursday, sharing a 210-run stand with Trott which has the tourists in full control at 2-267.
“It’s a great start to his career. Hopefully he can go on and open the batting with Alastair for a while,” Trott said.
“That’s what we want. Obviously Straussy managed to do that for a long period of time and they were both very successful.
“It’s crucial to a team’s success, having a solid opening partnership and understanding each other’s game.”
Trott rebuffed suggestions Compton – a notoriously intense batsman – was more relaxed on Thursday following on from his maiden ton.
“You can never go into a Test match relaxed. You’re always quite nervous, especially at the start of your career.
“I think he’s more confident in his own game and in opening the batting for England.
“He works extremely hard and he has good work ethic. He fits right into this team, because we are team of hard workers.”