Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak is not surprised at claims that New Zealand may have wanted a spinners' track for the National Bank Test at the Basin Reserve.

But he doesn't believe New Zealand ordered a pitch as dead as the one that has been offered for this Test.

"It is suited to their attack but it is the first time the wicket has looked like this," he said.

Nor was he surprised that there might have been a desire to order a certain type of pitch.

"That's part of the home advantage. You get the wicket that is ideal to your team and the balance of your side," he said.

New Zealand coach David Trist said yesterday, and captain Stephen Fleming today backed Trist's comments, a pitch with the same moisture content as for the last three Tests at the ground was what was wanted for this game.

Streak is hopeful his side can pass the follow on target of 288 to declare behind and hopes that New Zealand will set a target for his side to chase on the last day of the Test.

It might be wishful thinking, but that is the only way Streak's side is likely to have a look-in against a New Zealand team which has all but shut and bolted the stable door on the tourists.

"Time is obviously an issue now but we still have a chance if we bat well and positively and by declaring behind we could set up a good final days play," he said.

"Hopefully, the weather will hold up and we will get a good finish.

"We've got a lot of good batting so we can set ourselves up and avoid the follow on.

"The pitch is difficult to score on if the bowlers get their lines right

Meanwhile, Fleming was delighted with the role played by twin century-makers Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan yesterday.

"They've bought us more time, we were slow on the first day we acknowledge that. In an attempt to get a big score the aggression and the intent, by Craig McMillan in particular, gave us some momentum back into the game.

"Nathan Astle was obviously working very hard for his runs. He wasn't in the greatest nick throughout the innings but I thought his concentration and composure was the best I've ever seen in a Test innings and he got rewarded for it.

"So there's no doubt that innings has bought us time and a real opportunity of winning the game," he said. Fleming appeared comfortable with their comments that they felt they had answered some critics with their efforts.

"Whatever makes them click.

"If they felt under pressure which they made public that they were, they have responded very well to it. I'm not saying that's a nice environment if that's what they found themselves under but it's got a great performance out of them," he said.

© CricInfo