India were expected to score many runs against Central Districts, but the toss win by the home side gave the visitors a tough day in Napier today.

It meant the Indians batted - only moderately for 209 - on a seaming wicket that they had trouble adjusting to. In reply, Central Districts romped to 69 for one, with skipper Craig Spearman in sharp form with an unbeaten 40.

If New Zealand are serious about having a decent crack at the talented visitors in the next six weeks, similar conditions to those produced in Napier might be the key.

The ball wasn't zipping here and there, but it did enough to search the Indian techniques and find them - at this early stage of the tour anyway - wanting.

Central Districts profited in its turn at the crease from some poorish second-line medium-pace from Tinu Yohannan and Sanjay Bangar after an efficient opening attack from Ajit Agarkar and the left-armer Ashish Nehra.

Nehra picked up Central opener Peter Ingram for 10, but internationals Spearman and Mathew Sinclair took advantage of some loose bowling - while having the odd problem on the way.

It can be said that India's 209 looked just like a team coming off a long spell in dry Indian conditions and walking on to a greenish New Zealand seamer.

While several of the Indians now have extensive English experience, they still struggled with the pace of the wicket and the movement gained by Central's bundle of medium and fast-medium bowlers.

Left-armer Lance Hamilton was probably the best of them, even though he had to settle for just two wickets for 52, while right-armers Michael Mason and Andrew Schwass had three each.

What is not known is what effect the late withdrawal of tall Central captain Jacob Oram from the match 15 minutes before it was due to start had on his side. Oram felt a hamstring tighten after Wednesday's Super Max International and withdrew as a precaution.

His extra pace and bounce could well have added considerable bite to the Central attack today had he been there.

Sachin Tendulkar looked the best of the Indians, and was just starting to look extremely threatening when he played loosely at Hamilton on 44 and chopped the ball on.

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