Cricket: Vettori stays positive despite Indian dominance

NZ captain Daniel Vettori celebrates his century on day one of the first test against India. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Live scoring

Daniel Vettori had little choice but to clutch at potential positives after his third test hundred and a record stand with maiden centurion Jesse Ryder at least prevented India's bowlers from routing New Zealand at Seddon Park yesterday.

The captain's valiant 118 and Ryder's 102 thwarted India's bid for a quick kill after the home side had degenerated to 61 for six during a disastrous first session of the series opener.

Despite Vettori and Ryder reaching significant personal milestones there was little cause for celebration after New Zealand were dismissed for 279 - a total India will expect to comfortably overall when play resumes.

India were to resume at 29 without loss on a wicket that should be laden with runs despite New Zealand's tardy effort when Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to bowl first.

Vettori and Ryder offered the only tangible resistance after India's pace trio of Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel profited from some early swing movement before the pitch flattened out.

Fortunately for the hosts Vettori and Ryder were able to construct a record seventh wicket partnership against India worth 186 - without out it a positive outcome might already be beyond New Zealand's capability.

Vettori clung to the hope his liaison with Ryder might inspire his team on to a far more polished performance with the ball - and in the field.

"There was a different feel in the dressing room once we started to get on top and build a partnership," he said.

"Guys start to think well, `What can we do with the ball? If these guys keep going and get us close to 300 that's a good score, we've got momentum. Once the innings finished the dressing room felt good.

"If we'd been rolled for 100 or 120 it could have been a demoralising state."

Vettori and Ryder faced 286 balls between them as they displayed how comfortable batting was after New Zealand's ineffectual start.

"Once the ball got a little bit older it was easier to bat on. Our first thoughts were to get through to 150 would give us something to play but fortunately Jesse and I batted for a long time and put a competitive score on the board.

"It's below par, but it's a competitive score."

That remains to be seen as India boast a batting line-up that is unlikely to fold as readily.

The run scorers are lining up: Virender Sehwag (22) and Gautam Gambhir (6) had a seven over sighter before stumps. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman recognise a featherbed when they see it.

Kyle Mills, who already has a golden duck to reflect on, bowled two overs for 18 to emphasis New Zealand's plight.

Vettori made light of tailender Chris Martin's ability to nurse Ryder through to his hundred - but the pace bowler, dropped after an ordinary series against Australia in November, now has to earn his keep.

- NZPA