Under pressure England batsman Compton hit 117 runs to stake a claim for a spot in this summer’s Ashes squad.
Ahead of the first Test against New Zealand England opener Nick Compton was said by many not to be good enough to play for his country.
A duck in his first innings against the Black Caps did little to dispel this criticism, but a fine 117 runs in the second innings not only helped save England from defeat but perhaps saved Compton’s place in the Test side.
South African-born Compton was playing only his fifth Test when he faced New Zealand and was yet to prove himself as a shoe-in alongside Alastair Cook at the top of the order.
The 29-year-old Somerset batsman had to ride his luck at times before making his century against the Kiwis, almost being run-out when he was in the 90s.
Fortunately for Compton and England he was mostly assured at the crease and now looks likely to retain his place at number two in the order for the Ashes series this summer.
Compton is the grandson of former England cricket great Denis Compton and has so far made 325 runs in 10 innings for the Test side. He made his debut for England against India in November 2012, but his 117 against New Zealand is his highest Test score to date.
The opener will have a chance to further prove himself when England play New Zealand in the second Test on Wednesday in Wellington.
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