Peter Moores has identified England's improving lower order batting as a reason for optimism as they begin looking ahead.

While the top order have now gone 12 successive Tests without registering a first-innings total in excess of 400, their lower order have improved steadily with Stuart Broad and James Anderson both hitting career-best scores during a 76-run eighth-wicket stand which was a major factor in England's innings triumph against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

It is the result of endless hours of work with batting coach Andy Flower and Moores enthused: "Having lower-order players batting well increases your options."

He added: "I was really pleased in this Test for Anderson getting runs, partly because he's worked really hard on it and also for Andy (Flower), who has worked tirelessly with all the lower order knowing that in a tight game those guys can often make a big difference.

"All those guys being able to bat makes a big difference because it's the partnerships they create with other people and it's a good sign for us."

Moores has been particularly impressed with 21-year-old Broad, who has averaged 34.83 with the bat since being given a regular berth in the Test side for the last five matches.

"I think his batting is probably at the right place at the moment," he said. "What he's done is show all the way through his international exposure that he can handle pressure.

"I think we saw that at Old Trafford against India in a one-dayer when he took us home with Bopara. We hear a lot about players being a bit robotic and not thinking, but Stuart is definitely a thinking cricketer.

"He has game awareness, he feels situations and reacts to them and that's a really good thing to have in your side, especially in such a young man.

"He's learning really quickly and he's up for a fight which is a good trait. He's developing quickly as a batter and he's got some challenges to come, but he's shown at the moment that he's got a good, simple gameplan, a basic technique and a decent presence of mind so he can play. It's promising for us in the balance of the team."