Conceding that the pitch was very difficult for batting, New Zealand coach Denis Aberhart on Saturday blamed the batsmen more than the track for the low scores posted by the two teams.

Aberhart felt that even though the wicket favoured fast bowlers, it was not so bad that India and New Zealand could only score 99 and 94 respectively in their first innings.

"The pitch was not easy, but I don't think it was that bad. It was some poor batting from both sides. Also, there has been good bowling from both sides," Aberhart said after the third day's play which saw New Zealand placed at 24 without loss in their second innings while chasing a target of 160.

As many as 22 wickets fell on an extended day's play on Saturday, with India, who managed a marginal five-run first innings lead, all out for 154 in their second innings.

Aberhart said had the batsmen applied themselves better, bigger scores were not impossible on this surface.

"Most of our wickets fell to attacking shots. A couple of players have shown that if you get in there and show patience, you can stay in. I think obviously you want to see some runs being scored. Conditions are more helpful to bowlers but more runs should be scored in Tests," he said.