New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum got his answer out before the question of what to do should he break a drought and win the toss this morning - "we'll look to have a bowl first".
The greens of golf and bowls are perhaps cricket's only rivals for the fascination held for a strip of grassed turf. Then again, it can decide the shape of the contest, and who dictate terms, batsmen or bowlers, seamers or spinners.
Appearances can be deceptive. Eyes see things that aren't there. Expect plenty of movement and sometimes there's less than you think.
This drop-in pitch hasn't been used since the nailbiter against England last March, when the visitors clung on for a draw with their last pair of batsmen at the crease.
Both teams have quality seamers. McCullum respects the abilities of India's likely lads, Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma, but backs his own Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner.
"They've got some seamers who can ask tough questions if ball goes sideways.
"But it's no surprise these conditions should suit us more than them."
This is Christiansen's first test in charge. He's happy with preparations.
The pitch was put in after the Wellington Phoenix A-League soccer win over the Adelaide United last Saturday night.