Knight ready to bide his time

Knight: Will need patience in his new role

Nick Knight will resume his international career batting at number six for England against Zimbabwe, and admits he has no idea how to approach the role.

Normally an opener, Knight finds himself part of a selectorial role reversal which also sees Mark Ramprakash, so often forced to bat with the tail during his Test career, elevated to open the batting.

Ramprakash will have no time to relax

His only experience of batting in the middle order for England produced a century at Headingley four years ago.

But he admits that finding the patience to wait for his turn at the crease will be a big part of the challenge awaiting him at Lord's.

"That's the one thing I'm going to really have to get to grips with because normally if we bowl the opposition out, I'd be rushing to get my pads on.

"I have to find a way to stay relaxed - I guess people who bat down the order all their career find a way of dealing with it," he said.

I'm not experienced enough at this position to know how to approach it really

Nick Knight

Knight is determined to improve an average of 27.85 from 12 previous Test appearances, but knows it will not be easy if top order failings leave him with tail-enders as his partners.

"I haven't played at number six all that much so I will have to judge it as I see it. The match situation will determine how I play.

"I haven't any preconceived ideas about having to slog it and there may come a time if you are batting with someone who is really struggling that you might have to farm the strike a little bit."

The left-hander has the comfort of knowing that he is in form following a magnificent 233 against Glamorgan.

"It's nice to come into a big match having scored big runs and it's good for your confidence. I have felt good for a while, but I don't take anything for granted," he added.