David Leggat: NZ forced to take result on the chin

Brendon McCullum leads the Black Caps from the field. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

Criticism of New Zealand's first test performance from Australian observers has been harsh, but they can have no complaints.

There's been some grim reading for the New Zealand players in the last few days but they have had no choice other than to take it on the chin, and if they can use it to their advantage as some form of inspiration all the better.

The opening test was lost on day one when Australia poured on a Gabba first day record of 389 for two. It immediately trimmed from three to two the possible results of the match.

The upshot was a 208-run flogging, and a mountain awaits them to get back in this series in Perth.

New Zealand could have a couple of gripes yesterday, over awful umpiring decisions involving the DRS. Would they have affected the outcome? Highly unlikely.

However there's one rider to that. Brendon McCullum was flying along, on 80 and threatening to induce more than the usual nervous twitches in Australian captain Steven Smith's body language.

Timing did for McCullum.

A few minutes earlier, BJ Watling had been given lbw to spinner Nathan Lyon in the 78th over. The batsman referred it to the third umpire and the decision was upheld.

It was New Zealand's second unsuccessful referral inside the first 80 overs of the innings - Kane Williamson the first a day earlier - therefore they lost the right of another until the 81st over.

With four balls remaining in the 79th over, McCullum was given out caught at slip off his pad. He swished his bat in frustration when he realised he could not refer Nigel Llong's decision.

McCullum's career has been sprinkled with stunning batting achievements. The target had dropped to 261, four wickets were standing. New Zealand, just briefly, could dare to dream of a world record chase.

Tim Southee's dismissal to the second ball of the 81st over, was referrable. Replays showed he didn't hit the ball but the third umpire, S. Ravi, backed Llong's decision on the evidence of Snicko. Hot Spot showed no mark on Southee's bat.

McCullum was right not to take issue. Rub of the green, win some, lose some was the gist of his reaction.

New Zealand, dispirited, lost four wickets for seven in 18 balls.

The only unsavoury moment of the day was to follow, however, when Mitchell Starc flung the ball back at Mark Craig, who had become an annoying presence at the crease.

Even Starc's captain gave him a public rebuke and his actions cost him half his match fee, $NZ8313.

McCullum believes his bowlers will be the better for this match. Possible translation: the first test, at Australia's favourite ground where they've won 20 and drawn seven of the last 27 tests since 1989, was turned into a preparatory match to get his players in test trim.

Of all the places to come massively underdone Brisbane would be the last place you'd choose.

With that in mind, this result could have been foreseen before the players landed in Australia. Where they prepared may not have mattered, given the quality of Australia's performance. Still, a real shame, given the substantial interest in New Zealand.