Kolkata, Oct. 21 -- For years, cricket in New Zealand has endured a familiar trope-green pitches, cloud cover, a hint of movement off the seam and fast bowlers capable of making life uncomfortable for even the most accomplished visiting batters. For touring sides, mastering those conditions is often presented as the essential first step towards success. But a look at international scoring patterns over the past decade suggests the story is more complicated.

New Zealand's reputation as a country where the ball moves and batting can be difficult is not necessarily incompatible with another possibility-that its pitches can become rewarding places to score runs, particularly in Test cricket. With India beginning an all-format tour on Thursda...