Sourav Ganguly has admitted that India's batting is not the only source of worry for the team management. "We also didn't bowl up to our potential in the first Test," said Ganguly, after India crashed to a humiliating 10-wicket defeat at the Basin Reserve. "Zaheer Khan was exceptional, Sanjay Bangar was also impressive, but Ashish Nehra and Ajit Agarkar were not up to the mark."

Zaheer tested the New Zealand batsmen with his probing line and length, and Bangar provided valuable support, but Nehra and Agarkar picked up one wicket between them in 36 overs, and Ganguly hinted that Tinu Yohannan was in line for a recall. "He has got a chance [of being selected]. He has given us more options before the second match."

Zaheer, whose first-innings 5 for 53 was his best return in Tests, was optimistic ahead of the second Test. "My confidence is now high. I've missed out on a five-wicket haul on a couple of occasions, so I'm happy to have achieved it here. The conditions here are different from those at home. The pitches here favour fast bowlers more. I plan to bowl the right length here and I'll continue to do so in the next match. That's the key to success on these wickets."

Despite their shortcomings, India's batsmen were likely to be given a reprieve. "You can't pick and drop batsmen after just one Test," said Ganguly. "We threw the game away with batting, but it happened only once. There's no need to panic. There's no point thinking about the past. We've to look forward to the second Test and try to bat and bowl better."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd