Mark Richardson: Victory fails to lift confidence

The trial is over but it has still left us with more questions than answers.

We aren't totally happy, which is a rarity after a Black Caps test victory. But this test was not totally about the result because you simply don't lose to Bangladesh. It's more a case of how well you win.

We did not win in a fashion that would have alleviated any fears we have about the challenge of facing Australia. In fact, we probably have as many, if not more, concerns than before the game.

How are we going to get 20 wickets? Wellington and Hamilton in March will be good batting surfaces and, right now, the bowling lacks penetration.

They took all 20 Bangladesh wickets but that was more a result of some awful batting from the tourists than a systematic dismantling from New Zealand.

Chris Martin, Tim Southee and Daryl Tuffey all bowled well in patches but all were guilty of being wayward on too many occasions.

They need help in the form of a strike bowler but there is no one. Maybe Andy Mackay but now I am taking a punt.

Jeetan Patel had an average game. Dan Vettori was as steady as ever. It was a surprise to see someone get on top of him on the last day but Shakib Al Hasan played very well.

Perhaps dry, turning wickets are the way to go to attack Australia. After all, Vettori is our best bowler and Australia have no champion leg spinner any more.

However, there are trade-offs that accompany dry wickets. They produce reverse swing and Australia's attack will kill us in that department.

You would have to make a large score somewhere along the way to maximise the use of the conditions for your spin bowlers.

So can we make a large score against Australia?

Well, at least everyone with the exception of BJ Watling and Vettori got some time in the middle.

There was the usual frail look to our batting and Australia will not ease the pressure as readily as Bangladesh did.

All our batsmen will be put under the blowtorch against Australia but the good news is some may be more ready than they were last time.

Tim McIntosh is quietly establishing himself and has the mental qualities to guts it out. Ross Taylor will lift in the face of quality opposition, as will Vettori.

Martin Guptill is talented and has the strokes to ensure he is not suffocated against Australia. I am hoping his Bangladesh experience helps him settle in the test form.

Brendon McCullum is the key for me, though. I've seen an improvement in his test batting and it has paid dividends against poor opposition. Can it hold up against Australia?

It has to because we will need all the batting depth we can muster without limiting our bowling resources.