Ross Taylor hopes he's got his timing right after returning to form with the bat for New Zealand.
Rather than feel disappointed at falling short of a 12th one-day international century, Taylor was pleased simply to contribute a substantial score as his 96 helped the Black Caps to a 120-run win over Sri Lanka in Dunedin on Sunday.
New Zealand lead the seven-match series 4-1 with one game to play in Wellington on Thursday.
Taylor, who had totalled 65 from his previous four innings, was relieved a focus on his footwork with his mentor, former New Zealand great Martin Crowe, had paid off.
"I had probably worked on a few things that didn't work," he said.
Taylor admits it had irked him to not play a part in the team's home success over Sri Lanka this summer, having failed to pass 40 during the 2-0 Test series win.
Now he has rediscovered the middle of the bat, he hopes the sensation won't leave him ahead of the World Cup starting on February 14.
"It's a long campaign and hopefully I'm scoring runs at the right time heading into the World Cup.
"You have your own standards and you want to at least make starts and get to 40 or 50 and I wasn't even getting there."
Meanwhile, Taylor says he feels sheepish about his part in the run-out of Kane Williamson for 97 after the pair had put on 117 for the second wicket.
It continues some sub-standard running from New Zealand during the series but Taylor says relations in the dressing room remain convivial.
"Kane was actually very good about it.
"It's part of cricket, but it's disappointing. We haven't had the greatest running between wickets in recent times. Hopefully we can rectify that."
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