Spinners will play a major role in the firstTest between India and New Zealand on what has so far been a track offering joy to seam bowlers, said Mark Richardson, the New Zealand opening batsman.

"I honestly think that the wicket will turn," Richardson said after dropping anchor at one end with an unbeaten 83 to help New Zealand post 201 for 7 at stumps on the second day, in reply to India's first-innings total of 161. He watched seven wickets tumble at the other end.

Fast bowlers have taken 15 of the 17 wickets to have fallen in the first two days on a fast and bouncy Basin Reserve pitch. India's Harbhajan Singh was the only spinner to taste success, taking 2 for 22 off 13 overs.

"Harbhajan is going to get some turn towards the end," said Richardson, who compiled his 13th half-century in 21 Tests. "It's good to play an offspinner of his class. Daniel Vettori will be a factor when we bowl."

Richardson said that although Singh would bowl last on the fading pitch, the New Zealand batsmen were still confident of chasing a large total for victory. "I think there is no reason why we can't chase a total of 300 in the fourth innings," he said.

Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, did not require the left-arm spin of Vettori in the first innings as pacemen Shane Bond (3-66), Scott Styris (3-28), Daryl Tuffey (2-25) and Jacob Oram (2-31) completed the Indian rout.

Richardson said he was hopefuly of converting his big score into a century on Saturday. "I'm just looking to come out and start my innings afresh," he said. "There was a time when I was struggling and made an error. Luckily, I was let off," Richardson said, referring to VVS Laxman dropping a relatively easy chance at second slip when he was on 63.

"It's been a long time since I batted. I lost a little bit of fluency since the West Indies tour." This was Richardson's first Test since July when he made 95 and 71 against West Indies.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd