New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori heaped praise on opposing skipper Michael Vaughan after watching the England number three equal Graham Gooch's record of Test hundreds at Lord's.
Vettori enjoyed a fine day himself as he became only the fourth ever Kiwi to claim a five-wicket haul at Lord's as he eventually dismissed Vaughan to complete an impressive bowling display from the tourists.
Speaking at stumps on day four, the world class all-rounder deflected the praise onto Vaughan by insisting that he never doubted the 33-year-old's ability despite a run of poor form heading into the series opener.
"We acknowledge he's a very good player," Vettori said. "I know there has been talk of some pressure on him but we sit back and always think of him as a very good cricketer.
"Anyone who has got that many runs and Test hundreds under their belts knows what they're doing.
"Everyone can go through a form slump and today he proved what a quality player he is.
Pleasing day
"He held the innings together, batted with the top order and then manoeuvred the game around with the tail-end as well.
"That is the sign of a quality batsman, it didn't look like he panicked or worried about the hundred at any stage."
Vettori, meanwhile, was more delighted with the team effort than his personal success as the tourists closed two runs behind with all second innings wickets intact.
"It's five-for but the thing about it is it came in a pleasing day's cricket," he said.
"We played really well, most people predicted England to come out and dominate the day.
"For them to be only 40 in front when both teams batted in contrasting conditions is a good reward for us."
