Jonathan Trott is delighted to be able to prove the wisdom and effectiveness of England's rest and rotation policy.
Trott has returned to one-day international cricket this week with back-to-back half-centuries against New Zealand - the second, his unbeaten 65 in Napier on Wednesday in a winning cause to help England level the three-match series at 1-1 with one to play.
The reliable number three was excused for England's five-match series in India last month, and on Sunday was playing for the first time since December. He batted as if he had never been away - if not even better - and he said: "That's the idea really. You rest, so that you're fresh when you come back in and it's important you perform when you do that."
Trott began with 68 at Seddon Park last weekend - and after he and Joe Root completed England's run chase in his 56th match, he once more averages more than 50 in ODI cricket.
It is a proud record, and one Trott makes it clear is not achieved without much hard work.
"Playing for England is a big responsibility, and brings the pressure of being able to perform when it matters and counts," he added. "I was very happy to be able to do that, and hope I can continue for the rest of the tour."
His next assignment will be Saturday's decider at Auckland's Eden Park, where England will be hoping their bowlers - as well as the top four - can stay in the groove.
James Anderson, rewarded with a five-wicket haul, and Steven Finn were especially impressive with the new ball on Wednesday.
"It's important when you win the toss and decide to bowl first that you set the tone, and our opening bowlers certainly did that - Finny and Jimmy did really well," said Trott. "But also the bowlers backed them up towards the end.
"(Brendon) McCullum played a fantastic innings, but we held together and bowled them out for what was an achievable total."
