Root will get back to best - Taylor
It "is only a matter of time" before England captain Joe Root rediscovers his best form, New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said ahead of the second Test at Hamilton.
Taylor made his international debut on the same day as Sir Alastair Cook, Root's predecessor as England skipper - albeit in different formats on March 1, 2006 - and so knows the various ups and downs that come with the job.
Root is currently going through a lean patch with an average of 27.4 from his 10 Tests this year, leading to speculation about whether leading the side is hindering his ability to contribute big scores.
Former New Zealand captain Taylor said: "I wasn't captain for as long as Root. And as captain of England, the scrutiny of the media is probably a little bit more than we get in New Zealand.
"It's a tough balance. But first and foremost you're a batsman and it's a lot easier to give those messages if you're scoring those runs.
"He's got a very good side around him and senior players who will be taking the heat off him in other ways so that he can focus on his batting.
"He's a world-class player, it is only a matter of time before he scores runs and, for our sake, I hope it's not too soon."
As for whether he has any advice for Root, Taylor responded: "He's got to be himself and authentic to the way he plays and trust himself. Cricket can be a tough game and it can be a lonely place at times."
In the injury-enforced absence of all-rounder Colin De Grandhomme, Taylor revealed Daryl Mitchell will make his Test debut at Seddon Park.