Cook: Important we start well
Alastair Cook warns England simply cannot afford another false start in the second Test against New Zealand.
- Related Content
Opener Cook himself untypically helped to start the rot in England's first innings in Dunedin last week, when the tourists collapsed to 167 all out on a blameless pitch.
But it was he too who went a long way to putting things right as he scored his 24th Test century, and Nick Compton his first, in a record stand of 231 to help England close out a stalemate after all.
When hostilities resume at the Basin Reserve a sound start will be highly-prized by the England captain - because he knows to his cost how hard it is to battle back, even over five days.
"In a three-Test series, in the second after the first was a draw, both sides will be wanting to stamp their mark on the game," he said.
"As proven in Dunedin, if you get your noses ahead you put yourself in with a great chance to win the game ... so it's important we start well."
Cook is heartened by the resilience England demonstrated nonetheless, for the second Test running after they clinched series victory in India with great determination to draw at Nagpur in December.
"I think we can take some confidence from that fightback.
"The first couple of days, we were put under some pressure. Then to respond with the bat, like we did, was excellent from the team.
"That's twice in two Test matches we've had to do that, and to be able to come through those challenges is only good for us as a team."
Cook, like coach Andy Flower and his vice-captain Matt Prior before him over the past two days, discounts the suggestion that England's preparation was to blame for their faulty batting on day two at the University Oval.
They have therefore not been tempted to tinker with their routine here.
"In back-to-back Tests, it's very hard to do too much differently," said Cook.
"Clearly, we didn't perform well (in the first innings in Dunedin). But I thought our preparation was pretty good - it was more of a mental blip for the side.
"It shows if you're not quite on it - even if the first couple of batters play a soft shot - that can transfer to the rest of the team."
England are likely to name an unchanged team, with Kevin Pietersen expected to be fit despite a niggle in his right knee.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has already confirmed that, barring a last-minute injury, the hosts too will retain the same line-up which drew that first Test.
Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week