Cricket: Coach Moles refuses to despair

Gautam Gambhir acknowledges his 150 set in Wellington. Photo / Getty Images

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You can't label Andy Moles as a glass-half-empty kind of guy.

Last night the New Zealand coach presented a brave face as his team contemplated the grim task of surviving the final two days of the third test against India, who start with an overall lead of 531 and five wickets in hand.

The hosts are likely to be facing a chase of around 600 to win the match and square the three-test series when India declare some time today.

"History would suggest that there's not too many sides win from this situation," said Moles. In tests, make that none.

The highest successful test run chase is 418 by the West Indies against Australia six years ago; New Zealand's best effort is 324 for five, to beat Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994.

"Certainly this is shaping up into a battle to save the test. They know they were well below par in the first innings and there's an opportunity to get out and score some big scores. They're looking forward to the opportunity," he said of his batsmen.

Moles suggested if New Zealand get through today with six or seven wickets in hand, they could look at chasing down the remaining target.

"The first thing we need to do is set a platform. We need to get out there and show some application."

He admitted New Zealand played poorly with bat and ball in the first half of the test, but there would be a chance to at least partly redeem themselves with the bat.

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, whose 167 shut New Zealand out of the test yesterday, reckons they have no chance.

"There is a bit of up-and-down stuff and it is now turning. It's only going to get worse from here on. It will be very challenging for New Zealand," he said.

Gambhir described yesterday as "all about partnerships" for India, something beyond New Zealand's capability in their first innings on Saturday.

"We wanted to play New Zealand out of the test," he added. "If we can set New Zealand over 600, then they will be only playing to survive. We want to get them in that mindset.

"With the type of bowling we have I think we can get them out within five sessions. We don't need two days."