Ross Taylor (113 not out) and Jesse Ryder's (87 not out) unbroken 210-run partnership for the fourth wicket rescued New Zealand from a precarious 23 for three and put India, who suffered a blow even before toss when skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was ruled out due to sore back, under pressure in the second Test at McLean Park.

At tea on opening day, New Zealand were safely placed at 233 for three. While Taylor, who got a reprieve from Yuvraj Singh at third slip even before opening his account, had added 13 more runs after completing his third Test ton, Ryder, who scored his maiden ton in Hamilton last week, was as many runs short of another century.