Stephen Fleming declared his intention to bat more aggressively in the upcoming Test and one-day series against India. With fast bowler Shane Bond breathing fire as well, New Zealand beat the war drums in uncharacteristic fashion ahead of the first Test starting at Wellington on Thursday.

"I am not suddenly going to be full and free, but I do want to score quicker," Fleming said, announcing that he had decided to make some changes in his batting in order to regain flair.

"I have not been hitting the ball well for 12 months and my game has always been based on timing, hitting the gaps in the field and scoring boundaries. I think I have lost that ability.

"I have decided to make some changes and immediately it has given me the opportunity to access certain areas again," Fleming was quoted saying in a local daily on Tuesday.

Fleming is one of New Zealand's leading run-getters, having made 4,217 in 71 Tests with four hundreds and 33 half-centuries since making his debut in 1993-94 against India at Hamilton.

"I think it will give me the opportunity to score hundreds quicker," said Fleming, who is the most successful New Zealand captain with 17 wins in 47 Tests. "Everyone makes mistakes in an innings, but instead of getting that unplayable ball in the 70s or 80s I may be past 100.

"It hasn't been so much tiredness that has let me down in the past, but if the bad ball comes along you want to smack it for four, a la (team-mate) Nathan Astle.

"He puts the loose ball away nine times out of 10. I haven't always been doing that because certain shots haven't been on for me."

Shane Bond, Fleming's kingpin, sounded a warning to India, saying he would go flat out to unsettle the touring batsmen in the opening Test at the Basin Reserve here. "I like to bowl fast and I'm going to do the same against the Indians," Bond said ahead of the first Test on a pitch that is expected to be quick.

"I look to get the key players out," said Bond, vigorously chest-thumping ahead of a series like Glenn McGrath.

Bond, a Christchurch policeman, has so far grabbed 26 wickets in six Tests since making his debut against Australia last season. "There'll be variations of pace, but I'll try to rely on speed and bounce and bowl fast."

Bond said he was keen to perform well against India as the tourists had a strong batting line-up. "They are like Australia, especially their top order. It's a huge challenge bowling against them and you have to strive for success, but my rhythm is back after having a couple of good first-class games this season.

"Their top six batsmen are all dangerous. We just can't afford to target just one player like (Sachin) Tendulkar or (Rahul) Dravid because someone else could stand up. We've to clean up the batting. I'll have to bowl in the right areas. I just believe in myself and run in all day and I think I'll get the rewards," he said.

Bond said he was aware of his responsibilities as a strike bowler and was confident of meeting expectations, especially in the absence of key allrounder Chris Cairns who pulled out of the match due to a knee injury.

"It's a great chance to do something good. Being a strike bowler is a big responsibility and you are under pressure because of people's expectations," said Bond.

Bond caused a minor sensation in the VB Series in Australia early this year, when his 21 wickets helped New Zealand qualify for the final against South Africa. He was also named the Player of the Series.

His best in Tests came on the tour of the West Indies as he grabbed 12 wickets in three Test innings, including seven in the opening match in Barbados to set up his team's victory.

"It has been an amazing year for me, going on from playing amateur cricket to full-time. I now feel more like a senior player in the team. It has all happened very fast and you just got to go with it," said Bond.

He said Cairns had told him to be the No.1 bowler for New Zealand and then become the No.1 bowler in the world. "Now he is not in the squad and I hope to do what he did."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd