Wellington, Dec.10 : New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has appreciated former batting great Martin Crowe for his significant influence that helped the former to smash a brilliant knock of 156 runs against Australia on the opening Test against Sri Lanka at the University Oval.
After batting for more than six hours, the 29-year-old said that his performance reflected a lot of hard work over the last 18 months to get back in the Test side, adding that Crowe had done a lot of hard work on him and it all came together in the ongoing series, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Guptill said that Crowe never used to come to the nets regularly, but added that the former kiwi great has always given him good advice regarding his batting techniques.
The opening batsman also admitted that he has gained a lot of confidence from the century and disclosed that he always try to remain as positive as he could when he go out on the field.
Guptill, who admitted that he was pretty knackered after batting for more than six hours, secured his third Test century by smashing 21 boundaries as New Zealand were 409 for eight at stumps on Day one.
Besides two-match Test series, the two sides will also play five-match ODI series, starting from December 26 at Haghley Oval. (ANI)