Zaheer confident of India revival

Zaheer Khan is hoping India can bounce back during the second Test match at Napier

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Zaheer Khan is confident India can bat their way back into the second Test against New Zealand in Napier despite them slipping to 79 for three in reply to New Zealand's mammoth first-innings score.

The tourists have been outplayed over the first two days with the Black Caps - led by Jesse Ryder’s 201 - putting themselves in a strong position to level the series.

Having declared on 619 for nine, New Zealand picked up three vital wickets to firmly grasp the initiative in the Test.

Zaheer, who took 3-129 with the ball, is optimistic, however, that India can also exploit the batting-friendly conditions at McLean Park.

He said: “It is a good track. Hopefully, tomorrow will be ours. Things are looking good as (Rahul) Dravid and Sachin (Tendulkar) are batting.

“Tomorrow is a crucial day for us. We have to win the day and come back right into the Test match.

“Last year we were in tough situations and responded well. Our backs are against the wall but we can win the day with the bat. That is what we are expecting from team India."

Jesse Ryder showed his frustration despite cracking a superb 201

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Zaheer admitted he and the rest of the bowling attack had struggled on a docile track.

“We gave everything we have. As a bowling unit we tried everything,” he said. “(But) a lot of runs have been scored in boundaries. It is difficult to stop boundaries on this small ground. It is frustrating for the fast bowlers.

"You keep going and create opportunities. Sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don't. The important thing is to keep running in and create those opportunities.”

The only blemish on Ryder’s wonderful innings was his reaction to getting out the ball after he brought up his 200, slamming the bat into the turf before smashing it into a wall next to the dressing room after leaving the field.

But the burly 24-year-old was unrepentant. He said: “I'm not too fussed about the way I acted. It probably looked a lot worse than it was. I was just disappointed at the time; what happened, happened.

"It was a wide half-volley. I was disappointed in going so far and working so hard to get to where I did. To get out like that really angered me.”