Asked to assess his painstaking 93, which was largely responsible for New Zealand's imposing 284 for five on the opening day of the first Test against England at Lord's, Richardson replied: "Pretty dour and miserable. Poking and prodding, really."

His teammates will not mind. While Richardson kept one end secure, Nathan Astle (64) and Jacob Oram (64 not out) were able to play their shots as New Zealand took command in the final hour.

Richardson, 33 next month, lost his way as a bowler 12 years ago when he suffered from an increasingly inability to control the ball.

He took up batting, initially as a strokemaker in the middle order, then moved to opener. Before Thursday's innings he had averaged an impressive 46.32 in 31 Tests since making his debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in the 2000-1 season.

He had looked set for a fourth Test century in his first international appearance at Lord's when he was given out lbw after what appeared on television replays to be an inside edge.

"They don't put 90s up on the scoreboard in the changing room," he said.

"I guess it's every cricketer's dream to score a hundred at Lord's."

Richardson said his role in the team was to keep the ball out.

"I'm not a gifted player in terms of my ability to play shots. I'm lucky to play in a team that allows me to play my type of game."

He agreed he had justifiably criticised for not converting more 50s into centuries but added: "I put it down to the fact that it takes me so long to score my runs. If you are going to face 300 balls to get a hundred, one of them is likely to get you out.

"The Auckland left-hander said he accepted his role in the present team.

"I have to be happy with it," he said.

"But at times I wish I was (Adam) Gilchrist."