NZ vs ENG | I didn’t want to field today and that was driving me, reveals BJ Watling

Time and again Watling has proven that he is New Zealand's go-to man when the chips are down. The wicket-keeper has been involved in three of the six best New Zealand partnerships for the sixth-wicket. He scored 124 when partnering Brendon McCullum in a 352-run stand to save a Test against India in 2014, before breaking that world record the following year in a 365-run effort with Kane Williamson against Sri Lanka.

A few months down the line, he led the Kiwis to a famous win against England at Leeds with a century. Against Sri Lanka earlier this year, he was at the heart of the Black Caps’ series-levelling win, scoring an unbeaten 105 in a 113-run sixth-wicket stand with de Grandhomme. But it turns out, the humble 34-year-old was lost for words when asked about yet another heroicc innings on Saturday.

"It just kind of happens. I love scoring hundreds for New Zealand and I really enjoyed that one. I know I didn't want to field today... so that was driving me. I think I'm very limited and try and play to how I know works best for me," Watling told AFP at stumps on day three. 

Toiling under a blazing sun for almost seven hours in Mount Maunganui, Watling has guided the hosts through to 394 for six — a lead of 41. Once again, his partner-in-crime was de Grandhomme, who shared a 119-run stand with him for the sixth wicket followed by an unbroken 78 with Mitchell Santner. De Grandhomme joined Watling when New Zealand was still 156 runs behind England's 353, with half their side down, and hit a stroke-filled 65. Santner remained not out on 31 as the day’s play came to a close, with the pitch showing little signs of wearing down.