The pressure is on New Zealand bowlers to perform and they will be looking for the pace in the wicket they enjoyed in Auckland on Saturday when they had their sole One-day success.

The New Zealand Test squad includes two newcomers, bowler Brent Arnel and One-day top order specialist Martin Guptill, while James Franklin and Chris Martin have been recalled.

Of the seven Test series between New Zealand and India played in New Zealand, India won the first in 1969 while New Zealand have since won four and two have been drawn.

Although the green tinge on the Seddon Park wicket will give the bowlers hope on the opening session the pitch should favour the batsmen for the remainder of the five days.