Hyderabad, Nov 16:Having kept India at bay for the first two Tests, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori on Tuesday said that he was pleased with the performance of his top-order batsmen and that his team was looking forward to the Nagpur Test.

In an interview, Vettori praised Brendon McCullum for scoring a double century in the 4th innings- a feat which he believes is not easy in Indian conditions. Vettori also admitted that he knew about his workload before coming to India.

Excerpts:

On New Zealand’s performance:

Yeah, I think it all started with the Tim McIntosh and Brendon McCullum partnership that started the innings so positively. They put on a 100-run partnership in a tough situation which was fantastic and that probably set the tone for the day.

On Brendon McCullum’s double century:

I am really pleased with the top-order batting. I think there was a lot of pressure coming in to this match and Brendon and Tim McIntosh, those two responded really well to the Test match. Scoring a double hundred in the second innings in India is something really special. Something that Brendon will remember forever.

On the track:

It didn’t really scuff up too much with the footmarks. It had a good bit of pace in it and was good for the batsmen.

On the third and last Test at Nagpur:

I think it is a very good thing and now we look forward to the Nagpur Test. It is now a one off Test and we are looking forward to it.

On bowling lots of overs in the first two Tests:

It is something with India that when you come here you know that you have got some work to do. I really enjoy being the focal point of our attack. And I hope that I do well in the Nagpur Test as well.