New Zealand have vowed to fight their way out of a deep hole when the third day of the first Test against India resumes in Hyderabad on Saturday.
In reply to India’s 438, the Black Caps slumped to 106-5 on a Rajiv Ghandi International Stadium pitch taking significant turn and bounce.
Outright defeat looms unless New Zealand can find a way to counter the twin threat of spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha, who took 3-30 and 2-35 on Friday.
None of the New Zealand top order looked comfortable and they need another 133 runs to avoid the follow-on. James Franklin was unbeaten on 31 with Kruger van Wyk yet to open his account after Kane Williamson was dismissed for a pugnacious 32 soon before stumps.
New Zealand spinner Jeetan Patel, who enjoyed an excellent second day to finish with figures of 4-100, said there was only one solution for the situation his team were in.
“Face the music, and fight – what we know the best,” Patel told journalists.
“We’ve been in a lot of situations where we had to fight. Tomorrow is a good chance for the guys to get back in.”
However, Patel couldn’t gloss over the way day two unfolded, with India able to add another 131 for their last five wickets before making some serious inroads with the ball.
“It’s disappointing, it’s as simple as that.
“It was always going to be a hard tour for us bowling first up on a wicket that does not help you.”
Patel is playing just his 14th Test since a debut in 2006, having played second fiddle to Daniel Vettori for much of his career.
He had made technical and mental adjustments to his game and was enjoying cricket more.
“I want to contribute and get wins for us. Obviously, getting a four-for is nice but I will have to get more than that to get us over the line.”
Earlier, India’s overnight centurion Cheteshwar Pujara was finally dismissed for 159 and captain MS Dhoni reached 73 before Patel wrapped up the tail relatively cheaply.
New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum looked comfortable against the India new ball attack but his departure for 22 when spin arrived sparked the a mini-collapse that saw Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor follow cheaply, both caught in close.
