England's good start built around opening 'Nick'

Scores of 9, 37, 29, 30 not out and 57 don't quite make for a good reading, especially if they have come from an opener's blade.

However, mention the fact that two of those contributions enabled century partnerships, and another couple 50-plus stands, and one can substantiate the contribution.

- Images from Day 2

Nick Compton would like to.

"I have done well in patches in this series but not really gone on and got a big score," he explained, adding, "But I look at it as a team score rather than my score."

- Scorecard

The 29-year-old's point, made after the second day's play in the third Test against India at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday, made sense.

He might not have made significant contributions but did just about enough to ensure England have had good opening stands in four of their five innings so far. Besides, he also ensured that in him his captain has found a reliable ally.

Photographs: BCCI

During his innings of 37 in the second innings of the opening Test at Motera, he helped his captain (Alastair Cook) put on 123 runs for the opening wicket.

His knocks of 29 and 30 not out in the second Test at Wankhede helped form opening stands of 66 and 58, the latter ensuring England won the match by 10 wickets.

And in the course of his 57 in the first innings at the Eden Gardens, his maiden Test fifty, he helped Cook put on 165 runs for the first wicket, thereby laying a solid foundation.

No wonder the knock left him satisfied, albeit partly.

"Since I am starting out in Test cricket (at Motera), I have wanted to give my best," explained Compton, adding, "I was keen to try and get a score.

"I probably missed out today as well.

"But I was glad to get something relatively substantial."

Photograph: BCCI

The opener was the only England wicket to fall on a day when the visitors dominated and, suffice to say, it was anything but a convincing dismissal.

New Zealand umpire Rod Tucker appeared unconvinced initially before eventually ruling in the bowler's (Pragyan Ojha) favour.

Compton was palpably disappointed.

"It (the ball) hit my glove. So I was obviously disappointed," he lamented, before proceeding to understand the umpire's predicament.

"From his position it was a very difficult decision," admitted Compton.

Considering the manner in which he is playing there is no doubt he will get more opportunities to better his score.

Photograph: BCCI