Andrew Strauss is determined not to add to an especially unwelcome half-century against West Indies at Lord's.
A run of 50 innings containing just a solitary hundred is a statistic which dogs the England captain as his team seek to re-establish their world-beating credentials this summer, starting tomorrow.
Strauss' vain quest for a 20th Test century is notable as much because of the knack he once had of converting double-figures into three, as the fact it has deserted him for the past 18 months.
Calls for the end of his Test career are reminiscent of his situation in March 2008 when a 30-innings run without a century was followed by a career-best 177 in New Zealand.
Unlike then, of course, the gripes about his form are accompanied by suggestions in some quarters that it may soon be time for him to give up the captaincy.
Strauss acknowledges opening batsmen need to score runs, and captains must be productive in their chosen discipline.
But he insists too he is ready and able to do just that, and is "not even close" to thinking he may have had enough.
"It was obviously a big issue at the end of the winter, and I recognise as captain and as an opening batsman that I need to contribute," he said.
"I fully intend to do that.
"I've got no reason in my mind why I shouldn't go on and do that this summer."
The questions about Strauss' future became deafening towards the end of England's awkward winter, a 3-0 defeat against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and a 1-1 draw in Sri Lanka.
Team-mate Graeme Swann was even moved last month to describe the criticism as a "witch-hunt".
The equable Strauss sees it differently.
"It didn't feel like a witch-hunt; it just felt like the issue of the day - which is what happens.
"I think we all know that the only way to switch attention elsewhere is to go out and perform, and that's what I intend to do.
"It's not a simple thing to just go out there and knock up a hundred - even though sometimes it does seem that, the way some of our players have been playing recently."
As for his tenure as captain, which dates back to England's tour of West Indies in early 2009, Strauss is planning to stick around for a while yet - adding he has simply not thought about the end yet.
He did add, though: "If you're too wedded to some ideal moment to go or to step down, you can be very surprised by it.
"If I feel like I'm still contributing and helping the side be better, both as a captain and batsman, then I don't see any reason to change things.
"But we just don't know what's round the corner; we never do.
"It's just not something I've thought about.
"There's going to be a moment at some stage in the future when it is an issue, but right at the moment it doesn't feel like that's the time.
"I would certainly like to be in a position to know when the right time is.
"I'll obviously keep an eye out for it. But I don't think we're there at the moment - I don't think we're anywhere near there at the moment."
He retains all the enthusiasm he has ever had for the job.
"That's one of the reassuring things.
"I've never felt that it's all getting on top of me.
"I feel really honoured and privileged to be able to do it at a time when English cricket is really strong.
"As long as I still have that motivation and drive and feel like I can really make a difference then I'll be keen to continue."
Strauss' search for batting form has brought him two first-class 40s for Middlesex this season, among several low scores, in tough batting conditions for all.
"The times I've lasted more than 10 balls or so I've felt very good," he said.
"But it's been the nature of the beast, early season with the weather we've had, that it's been pretty tough for batting.
"I feel well-prepared and I'm quite excited to go out there and have a good season, I hope."
More than anyone, he needs a good start - and is pretty sure he knows how to make that happen.
"The most important thing is...don't let any of the peripheral stuff influence or affect you too much.
"Cricket's as stressful a game as you make it.
"You can let a lot of things get to you if you want to.
"I've always been pretty good at just keeping it quite simple, and now is as good a time as any to do that."
