Skipper Brendon McCullum is backing his bowling attack to do the business as the Black Caps look to build on their position of superiority in the first cricket Test against India in Auckland.

The tourists will resume on day three at 4-130 in their first innings in reply to New Zealand’s 503, of which McCullum contributed 224.

McCullum highlighted the way the New Zealand batsmen were able to bounce back from 3-30 on the first morning to end up giving their bowlers some runs to work with.

He says getting over 500 after the start they made was a fine achievement and a step in the right direction.

“We’ve copped criticism in the past – a lot of it justified – for our batting performances, but so far this summer our batting, from our top order in particular, has been outstanding,” he said.

“We know we’ve got the bowling attack that can take 20 wickets, providing we get them enough runs, and thankfully we’re getting them enough runs at the moment.”

The attack certainly delivered early on, with Trent Boult, who got two wickets in the opening over, and Tim Southee reducing the opposition to 3-10.

While India have a tough task before then, the pair at the crease, Rohit Sharma (67) and Ajinkya Rahane (23), have been mounting a comeback with a stand that has reach 79.

Stumps were drawn earlier than scheduled on the second day because of bad light, with 17 overs still remaining.

As a result, play will begin half an hour earlier on day three.

“Obviously, they put together a partnership towards the end there and we came off for light,” McCullum said.

“But what it means is we still have a hard ball in the morning and hopefully we get some overcast conditions.”