The paucity of the country's pace bowling stocks was shown all too clearly when New Zealand Cricket announced its 20 contracted players.
In a World Cup year the list is understandably batting-heavy with 11 specialist batsmen and a batting wicketkeeper, against five specialist quicks and two seam-bowling allrounders in AndreAdams and Jacob Oram. Two spinners, Jeetan Patel and the ailing Dan Vettori complete the list.
But it is the condition of the stock, rather than the quantity, that remains the concern.
Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Michael Mason, James Franklin and Kyle Mills all won retainers.
Bond and Mills are fragile propositions at present. Bond was invalided out of the South African tour with a knee injury and Mills dropped out of the development tour to Australia this month in favour of having an operation on his ankle.
Frequent back injuries have reduced Oram's effectiveness as a seamer and as recently as March Michael Mason was dogged by leg injuries.
Forget cotton wool, New Zealand Cricket should invest in a plantation.
Given the thinness in the ranks it is perhaps surprising Daryl Tuffey wasn't given another chance to prove himself.
The right-armer's career took a nose-dive following revelations he was involved in an incident with a woman, two Englishmen of questionable character, a pxt-phone and a milkshake. That appeared to affect his confidence and in a one-dayer against Australia at Eden Park he lost everything - his run-up, direction, pace and place in the team - on his way to a 16-run, 14-ball first over.
He's undergone surgery to correct a problem with his bicep, however, unlike others, he won't be getting paid to rehabilitate.
