New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris expressed satisfaction at his team's performance on Day 1 of the first Test against India in Ahmedabad.
"We pretty much stuck to our plan even in the tough conditions," Styris told reporters at the end of the day. "It was a hard day in the field after a bit of a break in international cricket."
Styris dismissed Sachin Tendulkar after the latter had struggled to score eight runs. Speaking about the dismissal, he said: "It was pleasing to get Sachin out. He is the number one player in the world and it is always a pleasure to get him out.
"We have plans for every player and it would be unfair to say that we singled out Sachin. We tried to be as patient as possible with all the players."
On New Zealand's bowling performance in tough conditions, Styris said, "We bowled really well for the first two sessions at least. The seamers managed to keep the run rate down. To restrict India on such a good batting track was good. The wicket will only get better."
At the end of the day, the Kiwis must be pretty satisfied with what they achieved. "We would have loved to pick up one more wicket, but I guess it was not to be," he said.
During the last session, Kiwi spirits flagged a bit as V V S Laxman and Rahul Dravid set about dismantling the bowling in a systematic manner.
Styris paid tribute to Dravid's batting, saying, "Dravid was fantastic. He was just so solid, he gave us no chance. A top-class performance; he showed his true class."
