Jonathan Trott says rising star Joe Root has bright future ahead of him

The sides are level at one victory apiece and Trott believes that Root’s eye-catching emergence — he has a strike rate above 90 and an average in the mid-70s — could be crucial in Auckland.

“Joe’s a very impressive young lad,” Trott said. “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.”

England have just this weekend’s match from which to collate any remaining relevant evidence before they name their 15-man squad, in May, for the mid-summer Champions Trophy.

They may have much to ponder as they finalise the batting personnel, but fitness permitting, no brainstorming will be required to confirm James Anderson and Steven Finn as first-choice new-ball bowlers.

The duo each conceded just 11 runs in their first six overs and Anderson went on to take five wickets as England levelled the series in Napier.

“It creates opposition batsmen having to take risks against them, which obviously gives you the chance of wickets,” Trott added.

“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.”