McCullum surprised by India's delayed declaration

New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Brendon McCullum today said he was surprised with India's delayed declaration in the second innings despite the possibility of rain playing spoilsport tomorrow and denying the visitors a win in the third Test.

"We couldn't work out their strategy after tea yesterday or this morning. Possibly they were trying to prise a wicket out of us, or were trying to lull us into some false sense of security. Maybe that was their plan. I guess that is not the plan we thought they would come out with after tea yesterday," he said after the fourth day's play.

"But I guess when you are in front of the game, you can always play with different kinds of game plans," he added.

McCullum though admitted his side are not in a position to win but said they can at least salvage some pride by saving the match.

"It was disappointing being bowled out for 200 in first innings which has left us in a pretty tough situation. The top order will be pretty disappointed they missed out again today. We got a partnership formed late this afternoon. Hopefully, with a couple of batters still to come, we can get out of this with a draw," McCullum said.

"We got to believe we can do it. Tomorrow is an opportunity for guys to stand up and show some character. If we can get out of this match with a draw it will be great. We know we will not draw the series. We have to show some character," said Mccullum.

The 27-year-old right-hander said his side would want to bat out the whole day tomorrow instead of rain helping them draw the match.

"You can't pray for rain or you can't expect rain to get you out of the situation. For us if we wake up to find out next morning with big blue overhead, we have got a fight on our hand, and that is what we got to stand up to," he said.

He would also not worry about what the Indians would do tomorrow to win the Test.

"Rather than worry for them, we need to talk up for your team. From our perspective we have got to try and last three sessions. That is what our goal is. Good for them that they have got confidence in their side. For us we have to try and learn be that confident. If we do that we will grow our own confidence."