Stuart Broad's excellent performance in Wellington was fantastic to see, especially bearing in mind how concerned he has been about his fitness and how it might affect his long-term future.
In January, I travelled with Stuart to the adidas factory in Germany, where he was fitted with specially adapted bowling boots to try to help cushion his troublesome left heel.
He didn't make a fuss but I could tell he was worried at the time.
What a performance: Stuart Broad takes the plauditsWhile it is true that bowlers rarely bowl pain free, being able to do it at all depends on the amount of pain you are suffering and whether, by carrying on bowling, you are going to do more damage.
More from James Anderson... JAMES ANDERSON: Please don't mention the Ashes... 01/06/13 James Anderson: It's us, not the bosses, who want Ashes 'ban' 25/05/13 James Anderson: To get to 300 is overwhelming... even to talk of taking 400 seems crazy! 18/05/13 James Anderson: I know I look pretty stupid, but it is emotional when you take a wicket 09/03/13 James Anderson: You've not seen nothing like our mighty Finn... 23/02/13 James Anderson: Records are nice but winning is all that matters 15/12/12 James Anderson: Winning here will be as good as winning the Ashes 08/12/12 James Anderson: Swanny has the skill and control to surpass Sir Ian 24/11/12 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEPeople were saying Stuart's injury was potentially career-threatening, that the way he bowls it was all or nothing because there is no way you could see him cutting his pace down to 75mph and becoming a trundler.
Stuart was also aware, as we all are, that, when you are forced out through injury, that can open up a spot in the team and, if someone else comes in and does well, even when you are fit again it can be hard to get back in.
In a year as big as this, with two Ashes series coming up, there is the added pressure of wanting to be in the frame all the time.
His state of mind was more confident when he arrived here but I know he was still somewhat anxious about how he might rock up the day after a long bowl.
There was also the psychological hurdle to overcome of actually slipping yourself into match conditions.
Appealing: Stuart BroadHe tested all that by having a long bowl in the warm-up match in Queenstown before the first Test and, when he reported all-clear the next day, it was a real boost to his confidence.
He bowled well enough in the first Test, when he deserved more wickets, but he was outstanding here in Wellington.
Stuart knows he will have to manage his heel carefully, particularly in terms of what he does between matches. But, touch wood, so far so good.
More... Joy of six for Broad as England set up bid for victory before bad weather closes in LIVE: New Zealand v England - the action as it happened on day three of the second Test Broad happy to find his form and help England enforce the follow-on as tourists take control