Ollie Pope hailed a landmark moment in front of the Trent Bridge crowd after he scored a stylish 145 against New Zealand on day three in Nottingham.
The 24-year-old was warmly encouraged by appreciative home support as he made his way to his first Test ton in England.
It was an innings littered with positive intent, including 13 fours and three sixes.
“I was just buzzing to be honest,” he said about reaching his century.
“It hasn’t necessarily been the easiest ride over the last year or so. A few tough tours away, I didn’t play a massive amount last summer so I think once I got over the line it was a relief but I was so happy.
“You have got to take in those moments, that’s what I’ve come to realise over the last year or so.”
Pope admitted he has been helped by Joe Root - who scored his 27th Test hundred and fourth at Trent Bridge prior to finishing unbeaten on 163 - both in the nets and in the middle.
The pair shared a third-wicket stand worth 187, after Alex Lees departed for a well made 67.
“We are obviously seeing England’s probably greatest ever, you don’t want to replicate what he does but try and learn as much as I possibly can off him, whether that is him throwing balls at you for 20 minutes at the end of a session which he will always happily do,” Pope said.
“It is trying to pick his mind as much as I can, especially while he is in this amazing run of form. The relentless nature of what he is doing is something I can really learn off.
“It means so much when your teammates are that excited. It is awesome. Especially a guy like Joe Root, it is so nice to experience,” he continued, referencing his embrace from the former England captain upon reaching his hundred.
“He wants success from his teammates as they do themselves, so it’s a great attribute to have as a teammate.
“It means so much when your teammates are that excited. It is awesome. Especially a guy like Joe Root, it is so nice to experience. He creates a real relaxed environment which works for us both.”
And the Surrey batter claimed he has relished taking on the opportunity to bat in the top order, despite limited opportunities previously.
“Not once have I seen [batting at three] as a negative,” he said.
“Although I have never done it before, I have said to a few people that this is the first time I have felt like I can be a number three in red ball cricket.
“The good thing at Trent Bridge is that the outfield is rapid. It is amazing to bat on, I think I was 11 off 40 odd then you get a few away and the scoreboard can race on. That is something I always had in my mind.
“I have made a few technical adjustments and to my mindset, I have tried to tighten up a few things so to get a few runs today sort of certifies that in my mind.
"Hopefully I can use this as a massive advantage moving forward.”
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England versus New Zealand at our historic home
From James Anderson ripping through Australia, to Joe Root and Jos Buttler tons, day four fireworks are frankly commonplace at our historic home.
Secure your seats for day four of England against world champions New Zealand here…