Positive intent paid off, says Guptill

Bangalore, Aug 31: A positive approach backed by aggression paid off for New Zealand, according to their opening batsman Martin Guptill as the Kiwis ended the first day at 328 for six in their second cricket Test against India here Friday.

"We always come out and play positive cricket. Luckily for us, the plan worked out today. We got enough number of boundaries early on in the innings and that took a load off us.

"The wicket was a little flat and that positive intent I spoke of helped us a lot today. The wicket still looks good and we should be able to continue the positive way of play.

"We had a meeting on how to go about it and about the positive intent we have to approach. We executed our plans really well today," said Guptill at a media conference after the day's play.

Guptill, who scored 53, believed that the Kiwis were in with a good chance if they notch a 400-plus score while he himself was disappointed that he could not convert another good start.

"Yeah, a little bit (disappointed at having got out at 53). It's a little bit frustrating, but that is the way it goes. Sometimes you go on to make a big score and sometimes you go only half way there, but I am trying to make sure that doesn't happen in the next few Test matches.

"We have to keep up the positive intent. If we put 400-450 on the board and attack them, then it's going to put some pressure on India. There is a bit of swing and seam on this wicket and if we can pick up a few wickets early on, it'll be great," said Guptill.

The Kiwi opener felt that the pitch was slightly flat, but the batsmen managed to put away the bad balls with skipper Ross Taylor, who made 113, leading the way.

"We came out with positive intent and we got some good bad balls. Ross also showed some excellent footwork. He forced the bowlers to bowl some bad balls. Ross is a class player and some of the shots he played were really special," Guptill said.

When queried whether the Indian bowling was below-par as compared to their showing in Hyderabad Test, Guptill said a few bad balls were sent down and were punished.

"They are a good bowling side. There were a few bad balls that were put away. That put pressure on them," he said.