Black Caps eye sixth straight home series

The stakes will be high for both sides when New Zealand host India in the second Test in Christchurch, which will mark the end of a harrowing tour for the visitors.

The Kiwis will be aiming for their sixth consecutive Test series win on home soil while the Indians will look to avoid their second straight whitewash.

The Kiwis lost from a winnable position in three Twenty20 matches before getting back on track during the 3-0 ODI series win. Then in the first Test, they outplayed India on a greentop in Wellington to nearly pull off an innings win against the top-ranked side.

For India, the poor form of captain Virat Kohli – one fifty in nine innings in New Zealand – and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah – one wicket in last five innings – has left too big a hole to fill.

For the hosts, the only real issue is the batting position of in-form Kyle Jamieson. The all-rounder took 4-39 in the first innings of the first Test and scored a crucial 44 in the 10-wicket win.

“What you saw with Kyle is that he has the capability to bat higher,” coach Gary Stead said. “The way he played I thought was outstanding. He did a really good job for us.”

Meanwhile, India vice captain Ajinkya Rahane said his batsmen need to be a lot more positive. “It’s important to trust ourselves and not think about the last Test match,” Rahane said.

“We just have to have fresh mindsets and it’s all about being in the present.”

India lead the new World Test Championship standings with 360 points.

“We all know that 60 points are at stake,” Rahane said. “If we win the Test match then we will be far ahead of second-placed Australia. It’s not always about winning the Test series.”