Alastair Cook eases to 25th Test century on the fourth morning against New Zealand

Alastair Cook prepares to sweep watched by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum (Getty images)

England captain Alastair Cook scored his 25th Test century on the fourth morning against New Zealand at Headingley.

The left-hander has already scored more hundreds than any other England player and his latest ton will surely go down as one of his most effortless.

He resumed on 88 not out, scored at a decent rate yesterday evening while his other top-order team-mates struggled for fluency, and wasted little time in reaching three figures.

He brought up the landmark with a driven four off Tim Southee, his 15th boundary from his 152nd ball.

The match situation in the second Investec Test is a healthy one too, with England 147 for one and 327 ahead.

That was an improvement of 31 runs in the first eight overs this morning.

Jonathan Trott also improved on yesterday's stagnant scoring rate as he moved to 28no.

England must surely be pondering a declaration with rain forecast tomorrow, but may wait until lunch.

PA