JOE ROOT is desperate to launch a new era of Test success but first he must ruthlessly conquer one of his favourite cricketers.
Captain Root and the New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson have so much in common and form a kind of mutual admiration society.
They are among the worlds best batsman, leaders noted for their calm and respectful demeanour and have both played for Yorkshire.
Oh, and they both have significant others from the same area.
Williamsons long-term girlfriend Sarah is a nurse from Bristol who he met while playing county cricket and Roots wife Carrie comes from a small town ten miles from the city.
But Root insists his friendship with Williamson will be cast aside when England begin to focus on Test cricket under new coach Chris Silverwood.
The First Test against the Kiwis begins at 10pm tonight.
The World Cup has been won. Now Root says it is time to start winning more Test matches especially away from home culminating with regaining The Ashes in 2021-22.
Root said: Im a huge admirer of Kane Williamson. I had the pleasure of playing with him at Yorkshire, so I know him pretty well.
The way he holds himself and plays the game is admirable. Hes a fine batter as well. I had some good conversations with him about batting, sharing stories and philosophies.
When you have the opportunity to play with successful international players in county cricket, its a great chance to learn and develop.
I try to encourage young lads who might not be forthcoming to take that opportunity.
Kane is very open. He made a big impact on a lot of the players.
If you respect players, you want them to respect you as well. So we get on well with New Zealand and want them to see us in the same way.
The way they conduct themselves is very impressive. But were playing Test cricket. That trumps everything else. Well be right in the contest.
The Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui had not been built when Williamson first picked up a bat at his family home just a couple of miles away. Now the ground is staging its first Test match.
While the likes of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith are lauded as all-time greats, it is worth noting Williamsons numbers he averages 52 in Test cricket and 47 in one-dayers.
He was the World Cups player of the tournament and praised for the dignified way he accepted New Zealands loss after the Super Over was tied because England struck more boundaries in the original match.
Williamson, 29, missed the T20 series with a minor hip problem but is ready to go now.
He said: Culturally and socially, there are a lot of similarities between the Kiwis and the English. A number of guys have played county and franchise cricket with the England players and friendships have built through that.
Joe wasnt around much when I played for Yorkshire, so I think he is being nice about me! But we did chew the fat and discuss cricket. I was wondering, How do I become as good as you, Joe?
Time has passed since the World Cup and cricket keeps coming thick and fast. You focus on the next challenge. The defeat was hard to take.
With the pitch expected to be flat and the Kookaburra ball offering little movement, Jofra Archers pace will be a key weapon for England.
He hit a few batsmen in Englands warm-up matches prompting wicketkeeper Jos Buttler to claim Archer, 24, will be even quicker in the Tests.
And Root, 28, explained: Jofra adds something different. Knowing Jofra, he wants to see the ball moving sideways.
But one thing he underestimates is his own talent and pace through the air can be a big skill on its own.
He makes it look ridiculously easy with his action and the way he approaches the crease. He has a huge hunger for wickets and it can be hard to get the ball off him!
He has to be managed sensibly. We want to get the most out of him but also the longevity of a young mans career who can change a game is important.
You want him to bowl as many spells over 90mph as possible, not once in a blue moon.
England have known their team for several days, while New Zealand must choose between Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Neil Wagner for two fast-bowling berths.
