Star middle order batsman Yuvraj Singh today defended India's decision to delay the declaration in the second innings, which could possibly deny them a victory in the third and final Test if the predicted showers swamp the Basin Reserve tomorrow.

India had established a 531-run lead on day three of the Test but continued to bat for 85 minutes into the morning before declaring their innings at 434 for seven, setting New Zealand a mammoth 617 to get in the last innings of the match.