Mitchell Johnson got a respectful send-off from the New Zealand team at the Waca today.
But it could be viewed by the Australians as another attempt at pushing the distinctly different cricketing philosophies of the respective teams.
When New Zealand's players linedup in a guard of honour to welcome the retiring fast bowler to the middle today, it could be construed as a marked contrast to the perceived reaction of Australia to farewelling Ross Taylor on the fourth day yesterday.
Australia's players have copped flak for the failure of any players to congratulate Taylor as he left the Waca having made 290.
New Zealand players form a guard of honour for Mitchell Johnson. Photo / Getty Images
They were clapping, but no one rushed over to shake Taylor's hand, which on recent evidence the New Zealanders' would have done if the positions were reversed.
The feeling in Australian cricket circles is that the nice guy image fostered by New Zealand is overblown. It's never been the Australian way and that's not about to change.
It doesn't mean Taylor didn't get warm, sincere congratulations in the players' tunnel or dressing room at the end of the day.
Another possible train of thought is that the players may have been told, either by captain Steve Smith, or team officials, not to ape the New Zealand approach and sprint over to Taylor.
A point of difference? Certainly. But would Australia have given, say, captain Brendon McCullum the same walk of honour had he been retiring after this test?
We'll never know, but a guess would hazard a no.
In any case Johnson is a home town hero. It was another example of New Zealand exhibiting a courteous attitude towards opponents, who don't always follow suit in return.
By lunch, having started the day at 258 for two, leading by 193, Australia went on a morning crawl, adding just 73 for the loss of three wickets from 29 overs. At the interval, Australia led by 266 with a minimum 61 overs left in the match.
Australia's thoughts of getting quick runs with a possible declaration in mind were dealt an early blow, when the fast-scoring Smith went caught behind off Trent Boult in the day's sixth over. He had added seven to his overnight 131.
Mitchell Marsh followed soon after, lbw to an impressive Doug Bracewell, as just 21 runs were scored in the first hour.
Adam Voges was out for 119, lbw to Tim Southee, having batted 240 balls and hit 16 fours.
Johnson hit some quick runs just before lunch and was on 20 and wicketkeeper Peter Nevill on 22.
