Despite winning the first Test so comfortably, Jeff Crowe, the New Zealand coach, reckons that the Indian team is good enough to mount a comeback in the second, which starts at Hamilton on December 19. "I believe they are a much better side now than they were a few years ago when they are touring," said Crowe. "Their performance in the West Indies and England has shown they are now a much more resilient side away from home. They have world-class cricketers and can fight back." India squandered a 1-0 lead in the West Indies, losing the five-match series 1-2, while they drew 1-1 in a four-Test series in England.

Crowe was all praise for the Indian batting line-up. "We've high respect for their batsmen. What they need is a good start. The key is to get through the new ball and then it's an opportunity for the middle-order batsmen to score runs.

"Rahul Dravid is a technically gifted cricketer. I think his ability to play correct cricket makes him one of the finest batsmen to watch in the world today. Sachin [Tendulkar] wouldn't fault as a technician. But I guess we have been used to Sachin for so many years now that you sort of say 'it is expected'. It's a bit like Tiger Woods hitting down the middle of a fairway."

Crowe also made it clear that New Zealand would be gunning for a victory in the second Test, in spite of being assured of a series win if they manage merely to draw. "Probably 1-0 would have been fine, but as we are now ahead we've to consider that the next option is 2-0. We're in a better position to do that.

"You can always argue that an odd number series is better than a two-Test one as it gives India a chance to win it. It's a bit like two rugby matches and if you win one, you can't lose it. We're in that lucky position now. We can be confident that the series can only be drawn if India play well here. Otherwise, we've won it."

He also indicated that the pitch at Hamilton would assist the seamers. "The wicket here also appears to have pace and bounce. It'll help seam bowlers. We might see some turn on the fourth or fifth day, depending on the weather. But our bowlers did a good job in the last match."

There was also plenty of praise for Shane Bond, whose match haul of seven wickets set up the victory. "Bond is a huge asset for us. He's a fiery fast bowler, has got good pace and good rhythm. He's pretty accurate and only going to get better and better. He was well supported at Wellington."

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