Pale imitation of home dominance

They say that revenge is a dish best served cold. For India, ten months after being beaten 2-0 on trampoline-like pitches in New Zealand, the appetite was there, but the ingredients couldn't be found. All the insinuations from Sourav Ganguly and Harbhajan Singh - and a few others - before the series about how New Zealand would get their comeuppance turned out to be just trash talk as New Zealand comfortably held their own in conditions that were more to their liking that on previous tours.

The pitches at both Ahmedabad and Mohali were as flat as the ancients thought the world was, and the expected fourthand fifth-day minefields proved just a chimera. India had the better of the opening Test, but were given the runaround at Mohali, where New Zealand gave further evidence of their progress as a Test-match side.

India's batsmen did as well as most expected them to, though Sachin Tendulkar appeared well below par, but the bowlers were a terrible disappointment. The pace bowlers lacked incisiveness and direction, while Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh - proven matchwinners on Indian pitches - weren't even as impressive as Daniel Vettori.

With thoughts now turning to the one-day tri-series, we assess the performance of the Indian team in the vendetta match-up that never was.

9 VVS Laxman He had started the season with a superb 99 to win the Irani Trophy, and Laxman carried on in much the same vein in the two Tests. Composed and unhurried, he was a class apart against both the pace bowlers and Vettori, uncorking those vintage drives and flicks through midwicket with nonchalant ease. But for his heroics at Mohali, India might have ended up beaten and disgraced.

8 Virender Sehwag His approach to batting continues to be a frustrating blend of hit-and-miss. When he got it right, in the first innings at Mohali, it was wonderful to behold. But the misfires were worrying, especially with a tour of Australia - and an even sterner test of technique - beckoning. Should have been bowled more. Rahul Dravid Batted quite beautifully on a sluggish pitch at Motera, embarrassing those who reckoned he could only idle along in first gear. The captaincy experience at Mohali was a chastening one, marred by the lack of a clear tactical plan, a couple of patchy innings and two dropped catches that let New Zealand off the hook.

7 Sourav Ganguly Battled his way to a hundred at Ahmedabad without being anywhere near his fluent off-driving best. Failure to finish New Zealand off on the final day took the sheen off the performance, and an abscess on his thigh ruled him out of the second game. Criticism of his captaincy has to be tempered by the fact that the bowlers were well below par on a benign pitch.Akash Chopra Booked a ticket to Australia with a couple of fine innings, most notably a 60 under extreme pressure on the final day of the series. He was all poise and technical correctness, and rarely chose the wrong option. Fielded well close-in. The litmus test will be on pitches that aren't so devoid of life.

6 Anil Kumble Easily the pick of the Indian bowlers in Ahmedabad, and again at Mohali, where he was let down by some indifferent wicketkeeping and catching. That said, he didn't look the threat of years gone by, when a fifth-day pitch and an old ball meant untold sorrow for visiting sides.

5 Harbhajan Singh That series against Australia seems like a long time ago now. He went through the motions in this series, rarely causing the batsmen grief with teasing flight or sharp turn. The floater wasn't effective, and the doosra has been overused to such an extent that most have cottoned on. Unless he's careful, he could go the way of Saqlain Mushtaq. L Balaji Bowled with plenty of heart, without suggesting that he has what it takes to be a presence at this level. Has to change his approach to the wicket if he's ever to have any joy with leg-before decisions. A couple of yards of extra pace wouldn't go amiss either, especially if he has to face up to Australian batsmen who batter medium-pacers for fun. Sachin Tendulkar The injury layoff, and lack of match practice prior to the series, showed and it was painful to watch him scratch around at times. Made a terribly subdued fifty in the first innings at Mohali, but had only single-digit scores to show for his other efforts. Redeemed himself somewhat by bowling a couple of testing spells.

4 Yuvraj Singh Ganguly's withdrawal gave him an unexpected debut, but he couldn't make the most of it. Struggled against the slow bowlers, especially Vettori. His footwork continues to be statuesque, and is unlikely to be risked in Australia. Parthiv Patel Did adequately with the gloves and bat in front of his home crowd in Ahmedabad, but was a shambles behind the stumps at Mohali, conceding umpteen byes, dropping catches and fluffing returns from the outfield. Needs many more lessons in standing up to the spinners, the sooner the better. Zaheer Khan A superb new-ball burst at Ahmedabad was the flattery before the deception. Thereafter, his bowling veered from the awry and indifferent to the atrocious. No semblance of control over line and length, and couldn't exploit the helpful conditions in the mornings at Mohali. When Daryl Tuffey shows you up, you know you have a way to go.

New Zealand Marks out of 10 by Lynn McConnell

8 Craig McMillan A fine comeback, and an uncharacteristic match-saving innings which truly tested his technique in Ahmedabad. A watershed in his career. Daryl Tuffey Silenced some critics, mainly overseas ones, with the best bowling in the series. A competitive customer now more confident in himself.

7 Nathan Astle Displayed his allround batting skills in the first Test, including a fine effort to get off his sickbed and save the match. With luck, his knee worries are only temporary. Mark Richardson The anchorman's anchor. A batting enthusiast who added success in India to his expanding list of credits; also some fine close-in catching. Daniel Vettori Thrived on the bowling opportunities in unresponsive conditions. Fine flight and guile, as always. Much improved batting performance helped save the follow-on in the first Test. Lou Vincent Settled his future role as an opener. While his second Test century at Mohali will get more attention, his second-innings 67 at Ahmedabad was the more impressive statement.

6 Ian Butler This was a tour for his future, and it looks bright. Fast and strong, he will get better ... much better. Robbie Hart Tradesmanlike, with few flourishes. Outstanding effort in keeping so well to the spinners. Scott Styris Continued development in his career. Fine second Test century in testing circumstances at Ahmedabad, but came through well. Looks secure at No. 4, and his medium-pacers offer good back-up.

5 Stephen Fleming A disappointing tour with the bat, but demonstrated captaincy strengths, and drew an excellent response from his bowlers at Mohali. Paul Wiseman Encouraging, without setting the world on fire. Economy rate the poorest of all the bowlers, meaning the consistency is still not quite there.

4 Jacob Oram Disappointing batting in the first match, although his bowling stood the test. Injury may have denied him more success in the second Test. Continues to develop.