A more even playing field now - Vettori

Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand captain, has said India would adjust to New Zealand conditions much faster than on their previous tour in 2002-03, when batsmen from both sides suffered in bowler-friendly conditions. Vettori said pitches had eased up considerably over the last few years, allowing visiting teams to compile bigger scores.

"The pitches here are quite different from the ones in the past. The conditions are no longer that difficult as they used to be for a visiting side," Vettori told Daily News and Analysis. "The tracks have become flatter. It is a much more even playing field. It would come down to the skill of the day. India will have no complaints on that count."

In 2002-03, India failed to cross 200 in either Test and lost the series 2-0. It was no different in the one-dayers which followed as India were comprehensively beaten 5-2.

However, India are now playing in the second half of the summer and Vettori said the visitors can expect some respite. But acclimatising will still be a challenge.

"The weather should be okay. We have had good rains throughout the summer but it will not be as cold," Vettori said. "Still India will have to make some adjustments. Coming from... 40 degrees to a place of 18 degrees, it will require some adjustments."

As captain and frontline spinner, Vettori will be expected to play a much bigger part with the ball this time. In the previous tour, such was the domination of the seamers that he didn't get to bowl a single over in either Test.

"I bowl at a late stage but I know my primary responsibility is to take wickets," he said. "I'm looking forward to bowling against the Indian team led by Dhoni, who is one of the best captains in the world at the moment."

Commenting on the Indian team, Vettori said their batsmen will pose a bigger threat, in particular the openers.

"The key players I think are the two openers - Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Sehwag is very dangerous and Gambhir has done exceptionally well in the last couple of years. A lot will depend on how they perform in New Zealand conditions."

Vettori said his team, which is in transition, caused by sudden retirements is shaping up well. "Because of injuries and retirements in the last 18 months, we've got some good young players. They are exceptionally talented. I'm excited about the things coming through. I'm also looking forward to some players who have recovered from injuries."

India begin their tour on February 25 with the first of two Twenty20 internationals. They also play five ODIs and three Tests.