We've had our victory says Moles

New Zealand coach Andy Moles believes that, regardless of the outcome of the second test against India today, the Black Caps have had a victory.

Recovering from 23-3 to make 616-9 and then forcing India to follow on has been a major confidence booster exercise for his side after the mauling they took in Hamilton.

"We know we can score runs and bowl the Indians out, which we didn't do in Hamilton, so moving to the next test we will be full of confidence," Moles said.

"We've had an excellent test match. There is a lot of confidence in our dressing room."

Moles predicts India will show his side more respect in the third test, which starts in Wellington on Friday.

"If things don't go well tomorrow and it is a drawn game, then the Indians will know come the next test that we are a better side than they thought when they came to Napier.

"The way the Indians have played today [205 runs in 90 overs] shows a little bit more respect for New Zealand.

"Certainly up until today there had been some loose cricket. Today we saw very good batting from very good players.

"I'd say there was a little bit more application than we've seen at other times in the test series and in our dressing room we've noted that and we feel the opposition realise they can't just turn up to win a game of cricket," Moles said.

It is fighting talk from the coach. He also seemed unfazed at the prospect of his bowlers having to back up in Wellington after potentially spending 270 overs in the field over three days in Napier.

However, Indian batsman Rahul Dravid said the tourists' plan was to deny New Zealand any success in the first session today then drain them ahead of the third test.

"If we can bat well in the first session, then the ideal scenario is make them bowl 270 overs going to Wellington and backing up after three days.

"It's not going to be easy [for them]," Dravid said.

Dravid (62) and Gautam Gambhir (102 not out) were instrumental in guiding India to a position of near safety yesterday.

"It was a very good day for us," Dravid said. "We're disappointed in the way we played the first three days of the test.

"We spoke about how we needed a big performance we've got half the job done.

"We've not been put in this position a lot over the last year actually."

- © Fairfax NZ News