However, they got the series to 2-2 after being seen off comfortably 3-0 in the tests. New Zealand got to a decider, a decent result in itself, before being bounced for 79 in 23.1 overs to lose by a whopping 190 runs.
But Australia was different.
New Zealand were poor, there were significant shortcomings in all three games, plus Australia were very good in ways that mattered.
New Zealand were short on energy, the fielding was poor, the bowling ordinary in two of the three games, then the batsmen didn't turn up in the final game.
The amount of criticism from disappointed fans has been significant since then.
No amount of Bangladesh beating will erase that in a hurry.
Three players are gone - wicketkeeper BJ Watling in a straight swap with Luke Ronchi, who returns after being left out for Australia; Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle dispensed with and Neil Broom given a surprise late chance at 33.
Broom's international numbers aren't good. His return raises eyebrows but if a more mature batsman shows up in Christchurch on Boxing Day, then well done selectors.
There are a clutch of players looking for opportunities. But selectors Gavin Larsen and Mike Hesson perhaps showed their hand in the naming of the test squad for the Pakistan series recently.
They brought back 30-year-old Colin de Grandhomme, with immediate success; and gave the 28-year-old Jeet Raval a chance, which he grabbed impressively, with half-centuries in each of his first two tests.
The point being they are looking at experienced performers who've been around the domestic game a number of years.
Broom is a 13-year first-class veteran; Raval's in his ninth domestic campaign; de Grandhomme, his 11th. These are not flash newbies with some handy early numbers against their name.
One selector remarked that they'd had an eye, and an intention, on getting Raval involved but were waiting for the right time, and maybe opponent and venue - that is, home, not away.
Whatever. New Zealand must beat Bangladesh comprehensively, and that may not be as easy as it once was.
New Zealand have slipped a spot to fourth in the rankings. Australia are back soon for three more games. New Zealand can't afford another result like the last.
