Fifth bowler still ideal despite Test victory

If Vettori can maintain his batting form and Brendon McCullum can continue to develop his Test game, then seven is as far south as either of these two need venture. Vettori seems to believe that if three seamers and himself can't get the job done, then an extra seamer won't either. But right now eight batsmen are not exactly getting the run-scoring job done either, as per the second innings collapse.

There are severe deficiencies, particularly in the batting. Can Daniel Flynn make it as a No3, averaging 21.50 in the position since his promising start of 95 against the West Indies a year ago? Will New Zealand be able to return to an era where Flynn doesn't have to think about striding out to bat when the ball is still brand new - having only touched the pitch, the stumps or the edge of a bat and a member of the slip cordon's hands - due to a lapse in an opener's concentration?

In tandem, Bond and O'Brien bowled like heroes, then headed down to fine leg where they were greeted by rousing receptions. They touched their caps as gestures of thanks, took a swig of water, caught their breath, then up they came again in search of more spoils.