India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni defended his bowlers for allowing New Zealand amass 459 in their first innings of the 1st Test in Ahmedabad, saying the pitch had very little for them.
"It was very difficult to get wickets here. There was no reverse swing either because of the soft outfield. All credit to Chris Martin, he was the lone wolf, taking those five wickets. Hoping Hyderabad to be a better track with more bounce, turn and reverse swing," he said.
"We did our best to make this match interesting through that collapse, but hoping that the next match does not need our help," he added.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was disappointed that his side could not force a win in the Test but said overall they had done well.
"I am proud how the guys stepped up at times when we needed them. Jesse and Kane with the bat, and Chris Martin with the ball yesterday, giving us a small chance of victory. It is disappointing that we could not force for a win," he said.
"Unfortunately it was always going to be difficult with the injuries; even Kane went down with the injury. We will have to call replacements in, and we need a team that can stand on the park. It's important we continue from this performance, we can't afford to rest on whatever laurels from here."
