Hard to breakthrough world class Indian batting line-up, says McCullum

Napier(New Zealand),Mar.27 (ANI): New Zealand vice-captain Brendon McCullum is expecting an Indian onslaught with Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar at the crease at the end of the second day's play in the Napier Test.

There's world class players still at the crease and world class players still to come. It'll take an amazing effort from us to try and get through these next couple of batsmen," McCullum said.

He hoped that bowlers' provide some early breakthrough on the third day as only then could the Kiwis force a positive result in the match.

"If we can expose the tail early enough, it gives us a chance to try and force some sort of result," Stuff.com quoted McCullum, as saying.

Replying to New Zealand's mammoth 619 for nine declared, India was precariously placed at 79 for the loss of three wickets at the close of play. At the crease were batting stalwarts Rahul Dravid on 21 with two boundaries and Sachin Tendulkar, who is yet to open his account.

New Zealand skipper and left arm spinner Daniel Vettori snared two of the three wickets to fall for 16 runs of his five overs. The other wicket was taken by off-spinner Jeetan Patel.

Earlier, New Zealand resuming from 350 for four, scored a huge 619 for nine declared, thanks to a maiden double century by Jesse Ryder (201), a century by wicketkeeper batsman Brendon McCullum (115) and half centuries by Vettori (55) and fast bowler allrounder James Franklin (52).

At stumps on the second day, the second Test carried an ominously one-sided look on a lifeless track.

This only the third time New Zealand has crossed 600 runs in Tests.

A maiden double-century to Jesse Ryder, followed by a 115-run partnership between Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori, helped New Zealand rack up a mammoth score.(ANI)