Eoin Morgan has admitted that he is feeling "a lot better" on a personal level having posted a modest 17 off 41 balls against New Zealand to end his barren run.
The England captain has endured a difficult spell at the crease of late, although he managed to put three successive ducks behind him at the Westpac Stadium to get off the mark.
It proved to be a mere consolation in the wider context of things, however, with England falling to another heavy Cricket World Cup defeat to find themselves bottom of the Pool A standings.
"I feel a lot better after today," he told Sky Sports News. "I have struggled these last couple of innings. Having some time in the middle has certainly helped. I am probably further along than I was earlier this week."
Tim Southee proved to be the star player for the Black Caps in the eight-wicket victory, taking seven for 33 to restrict England to 123 all out after just 33.2 overs to ensure that New Zealand prevailed with 37 overs remaining.
Next up for Morgan's charges is a meeting with Scotland on Monday.
