New Zealand v England: Compton must work for Ashes place - Trott

Nick Compton

Jonathan Trott has urged Nick Compton not to "rest on his laurels" as he looks to secure a place in England's Ashes line-up after back-to-back centuries in New Zealand.

Compton followed up his maiden Test ton with 100 in the second Test as England reached 267-2 on day one in Wellington.

"It's fantastic for him but there's a lot of cricket left this year," Trott, who made 121 not out, told BBC Sport.

"You have to wake up tomorrow ready for another challenge."

Trott and Compton came together with England 26-1 after losing the toss and being put in to bat by New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

They added 210 for the second wicket, with Trott bringing up his ninth Test century two overs before Compton completed his second in successive innings.

Trott said he was delighted for Somerset batsman Compton, who was under pressure for his place going into the series after only passing 50 once in his first eight Test innings.

"He's worked extremely hard in county cricket, and now on the international scene he's been given a chance to open the batting - and scored two big hundreds that have meant a lot in the context of the series," Trott said.

Asked if Compton had secured his place for the home Ashes series against Australia starting in July, Trott replied: "You never know about that. There are so many things that go on in cricket; you can break a finger of something like that.

"No-one's got a divine runs to score runs or have good form. It's all about taking your chance and being positive when you get it."

After having captain Alastair Cook caught at mid-on for 17 early on, New Zealand's bowlers were given very little assistance by a flat pitch as England took control.

Cook admitted he too would have bowled first, but Trott said losing the toss may have worked in England's favour.

"It wasn't a bad toss to lose in the end and I didn't think so at the time," added Trott.

"As I walked past Alastair this morning I said to him I wouldn't mind losing the toss and getting in on that.

"It worked out well for us today but we have got to kick on tomorrow against a 10-over old ball."

Listen to match highlights and Jonathan Agnew and Geoffrey Boycott's analysis of the day's play on the Test Match Special podcast.