Hyderabad, Aug 19: Ahead of their series against India, New Zealand captain Ross Taylor and coach Mike Hesson addressed the media here. The Black Caps skipper is looking forward to get back amongst the runs and hopes that his side will be able to put pressure on the Indian side in the forthcoming Tests.

Excerpts from the press-conference:

Ross Taylor:

On the tour

We are looking forward to it. It’s a quick turnaround from the West Indies. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked. India is a familiar place for a lot of us and we play well here so we are looking forward to it.

On the absence of Daniel Vettori

Anyone who plays a hundred Tests [will be missed]. We are going to lose a bit [of his experience] from him. But it gives Jeetan Patel and Tarun Nethula opportunities. Jeet’s played a few Test matches and Tarun is still to make his debut. Am sure both of them will be looking to get out there if they play.

On whether the absence of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman will be an advantage for NZ

It gives an opportunity to two younger players in the Indian side. I am still not sure who they will play but you can’t replace a Rahul or a Laxman, two greats of the Indian team and two players we had plans for few months ago but we don’t need those plans anymore.

On the goals from the series

Not to look too far ahead. [I am] just looking forward to this game here. We obviously have, not bad memories of it [the last match that we played here]. Brendon [McCullum] got 225 here and batted very well. We had opportunities [to win] but Harbhajan [Singh] batted very well and took the game away from us. But it is a different time of the year, [the weather] is bit more like New Zealand, it is a bit more cooler and hopefully it will continue to stay that way.

On whether he had a look at the pitch

There are still four days to go [before the match so] I don’t want to make a comment on it too soon

On not playing warm-up matches

We did play a warm-up game when we came here two years ago and drew the Test. We have got a busy schedule and the Indian net bowlers are very good so we played a Test match only a week and half ago so that’s good enough warm-up in itself.

On the biggest challenge while playing in India

It is a good place to play and India are always tough in their home conditions. Whether it is in the north [region] or down south they play very well. They play a few spinners and we don’t play a lot of spin back home but it is a good challenge. We are looking forward to the challenge and as Hess said, we are looking forward to putting India under pressure.

On whether not getting big scores is worry as he is the leading batsman for the side

Anytime you are not scoring runs is a bit disappointing but I feel good. I feel am not away from a big score and hopefully I can get that in the next couple of innings here in Hyderabad.

On the Indian bowling attack

We will go [out there] and see. We are presuming that they will play two spinners. And with the two quicks, we got to see [them play]. Zaheer [Khan] and [Umesh] Yadav and Co. are very good in these conditions, not only with the new ball but the reversing [the] ball [as well]. We have to play the bowler that comes at us and hopefully we can learn quickly and play throughout this whole series.

On whether he is considering any changes in the batting line-up

Yes, Brendon [McCullum] is going to open with Martin Guptill. He [McCullum] batted over here and opened the batting and had a very successful time [last time] and hopefully he can continue in the the next two Test matches.

On whether captaincy is affecting his batting

Not at all. My average since I have been the captain is more than when I haven’t been so I think it is good for my captaincy and that extra pressure is something I thrive on.

Hesson:

On replacing John Wright as the coach

It’s a great opportunity to start afresh. With our support staff we have got some fresh ideas and a few changes in the side as well so I am really looking forward to making some positive change and putting the Indian side under pressure.

On whether they feel that spinners get more advantage than pacers in Indian conditions

I think both. In Hyderabad, it [the ball] does swing over here, so there is a bit of pace and bounce out there. The ball doesn’t spin as much as in some other conditions. In Bangalore there is a bit of variety and it can be a little sticky and nibble around and it [the wicket] can take turn later on. So we are preparing to face both conditions.

On their chances in the series

We are hoping to put India under pressure. We know that we have a lot of work to do in the next three-four days to make sure we are prepared but we are going to put plans in place and be positive in the way we look to play.