Cricket no Nicol-and-dime

New Zealand batsmen Rob Nicol has credited a day-by-day approach in life to his smooth transition from domestic to international cricket.

Nicol was in sublime form as he anchored New Zealand's mammoth 372-6 with a well crafted 146, but denied his cricket was on the rise.

"It's a bit choppy. I wouldn't say it's on the up and up, but I'm just rolling with it," a philosophical Nicol revealed.

"I just say it's more an understanding of where I'm at with the cricket and not really feeling like it's me as a human being. I'm happy to be myself in the field, but it's not what I am off the field - that's what I've come to understand."

Nicol's mature innings led many people to believe there was a change in his application to the game, that there was an added element to his batting. He has done nothing of the sort.

"That's just the way it is. I find now with the cricket I play some days it comes off some days it doesn't.

"You just have to trust yourself and hope you can express yourself when you do get in and take some charge when you do some opportunities."

Instead, the New Zealand opener described his approach to the game came from a number of off-field factors.

"There's perspective as well - when you have some life experiences it basically gives you a perspective on things. You're getting paid to do this and I'm getting paid to run in coloured clothing and chase a ball."

A little 'ball' isn't the only thing a joyful Nicol is chasing around at the moment.

"I've got a little boy at the moment and it's like a day at a time and if you don't you'll lose your brain," Nicol quipped.