Mark Richardson: We don't need a green top now

Corey Anderson can fill the void. Photo / Getty Images

I don't think that excessively green wicket on day one of this test was totally necessary.

It was only really a dirty green seamer for a couple of sessions - but that was all it took to scupper the traditional plan against India because it was our lads who had to deal with the first two sessions. Stick them in on a green seamer and roll them ... that's been the usual way to beat the boys from the subcontinent.

Now, however, I reckon we're better than that. I believe this team can go toe-to-toe with most teams in fair conditions. So a game like this - which has put a premium on winning the toss - is not totally appropriate any more.

Why do I think this? Well I've learned a few things about our cricket team this season. I've learnt to trust them, first and foremost. I'm not getting overly excited and I am sure as heck are not going to say they are totally there yet. But they are certainly starting to promise plenty and deliver enough, even if this test does cap the season off the wrong way.

I've learned that Mike Hesson may not be a bad coach and Brendon McCullum may be the right choice to captain. Importantly, McCullum has proved himself this season as a batsman and a leader. Again, I have to temper this because there will be the odd ugly dismissal from him but his game appears to have grown more accountable this season.

Perhaps we are seeing the value of the turmoil of the Ross Taylor affair a year ago. Could it be that the messy sacking meant Hesson and McCullum were under more pressure to prove their worth to the nation? The mess meant that if improvement and results did not follow then cricket in this country would be under crippling stress.

I've always believed you learn more in times of failure if you are prepared to analyse it responsibly and just maybe the leaders of our team have finally committed to the correct course for improvement.

Unfortunately, I've also learned that we will have to play without Jesse Ryder and that he is probably unsalvageable. However, I should be confident we can do without him. Corey Anderson can fill the void and Jimmy Neesham looks to be a player who can rise to the occasion.

Unfortunately, the opening test combination is still a point of contention. Our middle order is approaching world class but I don't know yet if young Tom Latham is the man to take one of the opening spots - and I sure as heck won't judge him on this game.

You couldn't imagine a worse place to play your debut test innings than in the fiery green hell of the Basin on Friday.

Unfortunately, I've learnt we haven't yet fixed our spin bowling situation but give Ish Sodhi some time ... he's learning all the time too and he's a good student.

But, just as with the opening batsmen, I've been shown we can cover the spin bowling hole because Tim Southee and Trent Boult are the equal of any opening bowling partnership that has gone before.