Wellington: Debutant New Zealand medium-pacer Jacob Oram, who had the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar as his first Test victim, on Thursday said he had backed himself to do well in favourable conditions with his style of bowling.

"I knew if I could bowl tight in right areas and ask questions, I would be successful," said Oram, who finished the opening day of the first Test against India at Basin Reserve with figures of two for 31.

Oram said Tendulkar was leaving quite a few of his deliveries in the two-three overs he bowled to him but he knew sooner or later the batsman would have a go at him.

"He was leaving it often but it wasn't because I was bowling wide. With the ball nipping in, I knew he can't leave for ever."

Oram said he appealed instinctively when Tendulkar kicked at an incoming delivery and couldn't tell if the ball was lifting and leaving the stumps.

"I had turned around appealing and I didn't watch the replay," said Oram.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said his side would be looking forward to take at least a 100-run lead over the visitors to force a result in home side's favour.

"We would look to take as much lead as possible. A hundred would be good," Fleming said.

"After you get a side out for 161, the game advances and if we can manage a lead, there is a chance of a result," Fleming said.

The New Zealand Captain said he was happy with the way the wicket behaved on the opening day and confessed he had asked for seaming wickets for the series.

Extras:
Inexperienced Kiwi pacemen rip Indian batting
Thatscricket Special: World Cup 2003