Napier, March 28: Having put India in a tight spot, New Zealand are looking at some more hard work to close out the reputed batting line-up and level the Test series.

Speaking about the strategy on Saturday, fast bowler Chris Martin said: "It was just a tough grind really, and the results showed the discipline that we bowled with. We had to keep plugging away at phases of the game, and making sure we came out at top at the end of the day.

"For us to actually end up with that result is something we weren’t expecting at the start of the day."

The quickie was pleasantly surprised by the show though. "It’s not often that New Zealand are in a position to enforce a follow-on," he said, adding: "There was a belief, but to actually go and do it, and to actually have the best of last three days is something we all aspire to do."

Martin knows there’s still a lot of work left. "We are half way there. The hard graft is to actually back it up tomorrow and a victory is something that will be deep in the recesses of our minds right now. It depends on how we come out tomorrow," he said.

Martin thought the pitch was still batsman-friendly. "It’s still a good wicket. I think the way we bowled on it has put India under pressure. The surface is irrelevant; it’s where we put the ball that matters. There’s not a big window for a bowler to miss on this wicket," he said.

Speaking about the game plan, Martin said: "I think with the new ball occasionally you get one to stand up and do a little bit more than perhaps with the older ball. The way the modern player plays is to hit boundaries, and it’s the same with the Indian batsmen.

"If you put it full enough out there, they back their ability to hit it to the boundary. I suppose you have got be a little bit more calculative, take your time, and make sure you get used to the conditions before you play those shots."