Rahul Dravid's invaluable, unbeaten 110 once again saved the Indian team, which at one point on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand seemed to have got into trouble, losing three wickets for 134 runs.

"It was a partnership at a crucial stage," said Dravid about his 115 run stand with V V S Laxman (56 not out). "We needed a good partnership to get back into the game. We have been batting a lot together. We know what to say to each other and, more importantly, we know what works for both of us."

The India vice-captain was pleased with debutant Aakash Chopra's knock too. "He played well and he saw out the new ball. That is what an opener is supposed to do. He did a good job."

Dravid has not rated his hundred as yet. He knows it was an important knock and its true value will only be known at the end of the match.

Talking about the late induction, in the 72nd over, of off-spinner Paul Wiseman, he said, "It was a bit surprising. But I guess the seamers were bowling well and Wiseman is a bowler who will be more dangerous on the third or fourth day than on the first day."

Dravid said he was disappointed by the meagre crowd turnout. "Hopefully, the numbers will pick up on the weekend," he said.

Outlining India's plans for Thursday, Dravid said: "The first session will obviously be very important. When we decided to bat, we also decided that we wanted to bat once and bat big. They bowled very well in the first two sessions and that resulted in us not getting a very huge total at the end of the day.

"It is a very good wicket at the moment. But you can never say how things will turn out. The Kiwis are always well prepared and they plan well. The seamers did a very good job for them."