The opening session on the fifth and final day of the second Test will be crucial to New Zealand's fortunes, according to Kiwi opener Tim McIntosh.
Images from Day 1 of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Hyderabad on Friday.
New Zealand faced an uphill struggle to avert a 2-0 series defeat as they closed on 182 for six, having been set a 494-run victory target by Sri Lanka on the fourth day of the second Test in Colombo on Saturday. Herath was the chief wicket-taker for Sri Lanka, following his three-wicket haul in the first innings, with four for 73 from 21 overs.
New Zealand opener Tim McIntosh took advantage of a West Indies fielding blunder to put his side in a good position at 145 for two in their first innings at the close of the second day of the second Test on Saturday.
India posted a mammoth first innings score before claiming a couple of wickets to continue their domination against New Zealand, on Day 2 of the first Test, at the Sardar Patel stadium, in Motera, Ahmedabad, on Friday.
The third and final Test between New Zealand and Pakistan ended in a draw after rain washed out the final session of play at McLean Park on Tuesday, leaving the series drawn 1-1. Set 208 for victory, New Zealand were 90 without loss and scoring freely when the players were forced off the field.
West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards took a career-best seven for 87 to help dismiss New Zealand for 371 on the third day of the second Test in Napier on Sunday. When bad light stopped play 20 minutes before the scheduled close, West Indies had raced to 62 for two in their second innings with captain Chris Gayle on 36 and Xavier Marshall yet to score.
All rounders James Franklin and Jacob Oram have been recalled to the New Zealand side after recovering from injuries, while uncapped opening batsman Tim McIntosh has been brought in for the Tests against West Indies. Franklin, who has not played international cricket since the 2007 World Cup as he recovered from knee surgery, has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket, scoring a double century and half century in three matches this season.
Tillakaratne Dilshan scored a century as Sri Lanka set New Zealand an improbable 413-run target on the fourth day of the first Test on Friday.
Rahul Dravid scaled another lofty peak in his illustrious career when he created the world record for the most number of Test catches by a fielder in Wellington on Monday.