New Delhi, Feb. 19: It is easy to get misled by conditions in New Zealand. Fast, seamer-friendly pitches while being an inviting prospect for Indian fast bowlers have also led to many losing their heads during previous tours.

As a result, not only have India had just one Test series victory there — way back in 1968 — they have not even won a Test match for more than 30 years stretching back to 1976.

For the present lot, the numbers aren’t encouraging, but speedster Ishant Shama wants to do his bit to ensure that history does not repeat itself this time.

"I’m aware of the record, but it’s not as if we need a miracle. We have enough firepower to come back with a win," a confident Ishant told this newspaper, hours before the Indian team flew out to the island nation on a 47-day tour.

"Conditions are going to be very different from what we get in the subcontinent. There’s probably going to be a lot of movement off the pitch but the basics of bowling will remain the same — pitch the ball up and make sure the batsman plays, that’s the same everywhere," he added.

The promising paceman’s successful pairing with senior partner Zaheer Khan, has been the chief reason for India’s form in recent times. They played a big hand in the side’s back-to-back of home series wins over Australia and England last year and are expected to lead from the front against the Kiwis as well.

However, with Ishant having no prior experience of playing there, things could get a little tricky. "Gary (Kirsten, coach) has told me that weather would be cold with a bit of rain. Zaheerbhai said that the windy conditions will make your eyes water when you run in to bowl.

"I understand the conditions... it’s going to be challenging. But I performed in Australia where the pitches were hard and bouncy and I think I can adapt here as well," he said.

How quickly and effectively he adapts will be critical for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni considering that there is no practice match ahead of the Twenty20 opener on February 25.

Also, unlike the usual practice, batsmen aren’t expected to pile up big scores for the bowlers to come and defend. It had happened last time when under Sourav Ganguly, India lost both Tests in Wellington and Hamilton inside three days and were then thrashed 5-2 in the one-day series. Both bolwers and batsmen failed then, but Ishant reckons the situation will be different this time.

"Six players in our current team have played a Test there before, so I think we are pretty well-placed," said Ishant, unfazed.

"Sachin and Sehwag can take care of the conditions while batting. Even if they don’t... Zaheerbhai played last time and even Dhawal (Kulkarani) toured New Zealand in 2007 with the under-19 team, so we have an experienced fast bowling attack.

"In any case we have Venky (Venkatesh Prasad, bowling coach), he’ll take care of us," Ishant added.