Hyderabad, Nov 16:Black Caps opener Brendon McCullum, who scored his Test career’s first double hundred in the second Test against India, on Tuesday, said that as a stroke maker it was his duty to set the right tempo for his team.

In an interview, McCullum acknowledged that opening in ODIs is different from opening the innings in Test cricket and praised young Kane Williamson for putting up a good show in the first two Tests.

On the importance of the opening wicket partnership:

Yeah, it was important for us to make sure that we bat for quite some time in the middle and get a score on the board. It was pretty tough when I came in and there was a chance of losing the Test match.

On the difference in opening in ODIs and Test cricket:

It is very different. It has been pretty good start for me and I would like to build on that. With the third Test coming up in a few days time there is another opportunity coming up. I would like to make contributions to the team and so far it has been thoroughly enjoying. It is a different challenge but it has been good so far.

On setting up the tempo for New Zealand while saving the Test:

Yeah, it was the duty of your stroke makers to get the right tempo for the team. There are times when you are guilty of trying to play too aggressively but I was pretty pleased with the way I batted today. I managed to get the tempo which matched the plan accordingly.

On young teammate Kane Williamson:

I thought Kane took the pressure very well when he came out this morning. He batted well and put the pressure on India and kept the scoreboard moving. He has been outstanding in the two Test matches so far. He has already proved that he is a valuable member of our team.