New Zealand coach Stead surprised by Indian batting, expects strong comeback

Wellington, February 25: New Zealand coach Gary Stead on Tuesday (February 25) said he was a bit surprised by India's abject surrender in the first Test but is expecting a strong comeback in Christchurch.

India were all out for 165 and 191 in the two innings of the opening Test, leading to a 10-wicket drubbing in just over three days.

"It was a bit of a surprise but it was also due to the pressure we put on those guys for long periods of time. You get Trent and Tim to operate in our conditions and both were outstanding," Stead told reporters on Tuesday (February 25).

"Trent's freshness after being out for eight weeks added spark."

The head coach also had a subtle warning for the Indian team, saying touring New Zealand could be as tough as playing in some of the other countries.

"We want teams to believe that it is as tough in New Zealand as it is playing anywhere else in the world. That's a pride thing."

Getting Ajinkya Rahane cheaply on the fourth morning was the clincher for Stead. After that, he knew that New Zealand would wrap it up quickly.

"Guess picked up wickets at critical times in the match. We got Rahane out and it was the catalyst of the belief," he said.

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India captain Virat Kohli had expressed a desire for his batsmen to come out with a positive approach, and Stead feels that a world class side like India would like to dominate the proceedings.

"I expect Indian batsmen trying to dominate more and that will be a challenge for our bowlers because a world class side like India will come back hard."

Neil Wagner is back for the second Test after the birth of his first child and there is a possibility that the home team will go in with four specialist seamers in bowling friendly conditions at the Hagley Oval.

"That's always good selection dilemma to have as Neil Wagner is coming back. Kyle Jamieson made most of his debut in the outstanding manner that he played. Neil will be back (in the eleven) with us without a doubt," Stead said.

Asked if left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel will be dropped from the XI, Stead didn't want to spell it out in as many words, even though that's an imminent possibility.

"We will always consider that (four seamers plus Colin de Grandhomme) as an option after looking at the wicket. I don't want to make assumptions but yes, wicket at Hagley (Christchurch) has a wee bit in it also.

"We have seen that guys like Colin de Grandhomme can be very, very useful on this sort of a track. Whoever gets a chance needs to put up a performance like the first game because India will get better," Stead said.

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Asked if the 60 points earned puts them in a good place in the World Test Championship table, Stead didn't want to look that far ahead.

"Looking too far ahead would be dangerous for us. The next Test is only thing we can focus now. After this we play the next Test series in August. It is an away series in Bangladesh and completely different," he said.