HAMILTON: New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori today said momentum of the first cricket Test was firmly in India's hand despite his record 186-run partnership with Jesse Ryder that gave some respectability to the hosts' innings. Both scored centuries that helped New Zealand post 279 after they were reeling at 60 for six at one stage.

"We gained momentum through our partnership, but if you just look at the scores you would say India's on top," said Vettori, who made a fighting 118, his third Test century in 90 Tests. The skipper was naturally disappointed with his batsmen who failed to come to terms with the pace attack of Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan in the opening session.

"We are obviously disappointed with the situation we put ourselves in. India made the most of the conditions.

There was just enough in the wicket to suggest it was difficult. They swung the ball to make batting difficult," said Vettori about the Indian fast bowlers, who vindicated captain Mahendra singh Dhoni's decision to field first after winning the toss.

The bespectacled 30-year-old captain admitted that it was a bit difficult to bat early on.