'Rotating strike was key‘

New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan said the key to the unbeaten partnership between Kane Williamson and Tom Latham was rotation of strike as the two batsmen frustrated the Indian bowling attack with their 117-run stand for the second wicket.

"Their (Williamson-Latham) discipline (was key). They stuck to their game plans and when the Indian bowlers missed we jumped all over it. I thought the way they rotated the strike with that left and right-hand combination throughout the partnership was crucial," McMillan said at the press conference after the second day's play at the Green Park.

"They just worked really hard and showed how hard it is out there. This surface is still playing pretty well, but there are a few balls taking off and turning. All-inall self-discipline from both those guys throughout the partnership was crucial," he added.

"We've done a lot of work in terms of using the feet and getting deep in the crease. They are all key things to playing spin well. You watch the best players of spin around the world and they don't get caught on the crease, they are either forward or back. All our guys have done a lot of work on that and everyone does it differently," he said.

"We are confronted by two very good spinners who know the conditions well and are going to challenge you at different times. Mental (focus) plays a big part, not getting flustered, being comfortable in those conditions and being comfortable with the ball beating the outside edge and not letting that worry you," MacMillan said.

McMillan said while batting against a bowler like Ravindra Jadeja, who rushes through his overs, one needs to take his own time.

"Well he has one of the shortest run-ups so it is never going to take long for him to get through his overs. As a batsman it is important you are not rushed and you take your time so you are ready to face in your own time. That can be difficult when someone has such a short run-up, but I thought the guys did that well," he said.