I am very very impressed by the responsibility shown by the Kiwi batsmen on this Tour - ok so Fleming hasn't scored many runs, but 4 other batsmen have scored tons so far.
In fact Fleming is the only recognised batsman to have missed out which can only be good for NZ batting that has relied so heavily upon him & Richardson!!! Regardless of the results on paper, this series could very well mark the coming of age of this NZ team and in particular the batting.
While it may be a shame that they perhaps lack the bowling attack to take advantage of their position in this series, it is still a tremendous achievement todate. They have in effect done an India to India in India!
The opening partnership by Richardson & Vincent narrowly missed becoming the alltime record partnership v India in India, a milestone that has stood for some considerable time.
The NZ batsmen have shown how to play the 'spin twins' on their own pitches. Some may say that these have not been typical Indian pitches, but even the Indian press acknowledge that this pitch is not that different to those in recent Indian Home Test victories against England & WI - and there were no local grumblings of discontent then.
The local press also point out that Kumble has been India's ace in the hole regarding their domination of touring teams, and that this test marks the first occaision the visiting team have posted a first innings total of 500 or more.
It may be just a wild flight of fancy as at this stage it is still far to early to tell (unless NZ win), but could this series also mark the end of the era of Indian Home invincability?
As Indian cricket continues to try to prepare less 'traditional Indian pitches', the Indian team may struggle to adjust and the tourists may be able to take advantage of this now that NZ has shown how to bat on the sub continent.