Cricket: Wise words from Crowe help Martin Guptill

Martin Guptill made 156 as New Zealand finished on 409 for eight. Photo /Getty

Martin Crowe continues to have an influence within the New Zealand cricket team.

Opener Martin Guptill revealed last night his work with the former batting great over the past 18 months has been a significant help as he fought to get back into the test side.

Guptill, whose 156 against Sri Lanka yesterday was his third test ton, and first in four years, was reluctant to share the specifics of the relationship but clearly it has paid a dividend.

"I'd probably like to keep what Hogan and I talk about close to the chest," Guptill said.

"I got in contact with him to help me out. We've put in some hard yards over that time."

Crowe, also a long-time mentor for Ross Taylor, has been in a long battle with lymphoma and "obviously it's a lot harder for him to come to the nets and watch me now but I'm always in contact with him and he's always given me good advice".

Guptill had a testing time in the recent Australian series but he repaid the selectors' belief in him yesterday. He admitted he took substantial confidence out of yesterday's innings.

"I tried to go out and be as positive as I could be, show good intent, and be able to rotate the strike and get some good partnerships going. That helped me get through the day."

He didn't feel any pressure to perform, maintaining "I didn't have a lot to lose".

"Today I guess capped off a lot of hard work to get back in the test.

"They [the national selectors] have been good to me, they've given me a good run and I thank them very much for that."

Guptill shared stands of 173 for the second wicket with Kane Williamson, and a rapid 89 with captain Brendon McCullum, who scored 75 of them.

He saw enough in the University Oval pitch yesterday to be encouraged about what New Zealand's bowlers could get from it.

"The pitch was difficult early on, it took a lot of divots out and towards the end of the day when it was drying out, the ball started doing funny things. That's a good sign for us when we start bowling," he said.