By Mark Richardson New Zealand opening batsman

It is five months since we won our last series in the West Indies but it feels like an eternity since I was gearing up for Test cricket.

The feelings of tension and excitement that come before a big innings are beginning to consume me again

But I must admit to feeling a little out of touch with the rhythms of the Test circuit.

The team that can restrict the opposition's scoring rates will come out on top

It is five months since New Zealand's win in the Caribbean

The media has been all over us on this issue, firstly berating all the incumbents for poor form and then excusing us because weather and pitches have been difficult.

However, while the Indian attack contains some tidy bowlers, it is not one to be hugely fearful of, especially in our more seamer-orientated environment.

I am confident that our batters can find some form in a hurry come the opening night.

Bowling them out could be a different matter all together.

The Indian top order is almost held on a par with the Australian top six.

And although in New Zealand they will have to bat on seaming wickets, the Basin and Hamilton will be far from minefields.

India have a star-studded top six

With this in mind the lack of play could be a bigger issue for our bowlers than batters.

In my opinion the team that can restrict the opposition's scoring rates will come out on top.

The early season wickets will provide enough assistance to look after 20 wickets but the key will be the damage each batting outfit can do between the falls of wickets.

Will our bowlers have enough fitness and confidence to to get through 20 overs a man with enough pace and accuracy to restrict Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag and Laxman?

Then again with the World Cup looming how important is this two Test series? Bloody important to me.