Trott impressed by Root as he attempts to hold onto own spot

Yet almost throughout his 56-match career, his involvement has divided opinion.

There are those who acknowledge England’s top six needs a lynchpin for the rest to bat around; then there are others who insist Trott’s style of accumulation is outdated.

As England prepare for tomorrow’s ODI decider against New Zealand at Eden Park, the same record still plays.

Trott has returned, after being rested for the five-match series in India last month, with back-to-back half-centuries – the second undefeated as he and Yorkshire’s Joe Root carried England to a series-levelling eight-wicket victory with an unbroken century stand in Napier.

That success at McLean Park was, however, merely the Trott issue in microcosm.

Batting at his accustomed pivotal No 3 position, he oversaw a near six-an-over run chase in stands with captain Alastair Cook and then Root.

The rate peaked above seven at one point, and those who doubt Trott’s worth will point to the fact that it was 22-year-old Root – in only his seventh ODI – who took the initiative by hitting over the top and into unconventional spaces, while England’s mainstay ticked along as he so often does.

Root’s eye-catching emergence – three fifties, a strike rate above 90 and average in the mid-70s – is bound to heighten the argument, especially with Kevin Pietersen’s return imminent in time for the Champions Trophy on home ground. In that context, Trott’s impressions of Root after two significant stands together this week are of interest.

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

At 31 Trott is still only three-and-a-half years into his international career, discounting two early Twenty20s in 2007. And he would love to stay in that No 3 slot he has made his own, in Tests and ODIs.

“That’s where I’ve batted all my international career,” he said. “As long as I’m playing according to the instructions and guidelines given to me I can’t do much more than that.”