There were different vibes from the two teams after Day IV of the second Test. The Indians were talking about how much they can chase and the New Zealanders were looking forward to extending their unexpected show of resilience.
With six wickets still to take on a pitch not helping spinners and the visitors ahead by 115 runs, India have to strike early on Tuesday before they can think of starting the chase. VVS Laxman said as much and also spoke about an achievable target. “With the kind batting we have, around 225 at a rate of five runs per over is something we can get. But we must not lose early wickets and before all that, must take wickets in the first hour tomorrow. That's a crucial time,” he said.
Laxman acknowledged the doggedness shown by New Zealand so far. “Even the team that came here in 2003-04 did well and put us under pressure. But this lot has been impressive against spin. They have not thrown it away.”
New Zealand opener Tim McKintosh, who was stopped one run short of earning the unusual distinction of scoring a century and a half-century after a pair in the previous Test by a dubious decision, said it's all about staying positive.
{{/usCountry}}New Zealand opener Tim McKintosh, who was stopped one run short of earning the unusual distinction of scoring a century and a half-century after a pair in the previous Test by a dubious decision, said it's all about staying positive.
{{/usCountry}}“The key to our good show has been our attitude. We stayed positive and showed good temperament to spend long hours in the middle. Even today, we were positive and tried to play the ball on merit.”