Williamson misjudged a delivery from Mohammad Hafeez, who is one weapon they're likely to deal with less after he was reported for a suspected illegal action. He is allowed to bowl while testing takes place over the next 21 days, but his role might be minimised now the umpires are on alert.
McCullum summed up his concerns about spin by talking of the pressure assessing turn, bounce, skid and drift in a split second with a horde of hungry fielders around the bat. It can morph into a white-flannelled prison where players make rash decisions trying to escape.
However, as coach Mike Hesson pointed out, they've got batting problems elsewhere.
"Spin was a factor [in Abu Dhabi] but we also lost almost half our wickets to seam. When the ball reversed [from Rahat Ali, who took six for 70, and Imran Khan, two for 66], we fell in clumps. Playing the newer ball against the spinners was especially hard but once it got softer it was easier."
While occupying the crease presented a problem, Hesson said the inability to take wickets arguably presented bigger concerns given Pakistan's aggregate of 741 for five across both innings. It effectively means that regardless of the runs New Zealand muster, they mightn't have the personnel capable of levelling the series.
However the bowlers, particularly spinners Ish Sodhi and Mark Craig, were betrayed by several botched chances.
Hesson indicated the incumbents would likely return for the second test rather than alternating Tim Southee or Trent Boult with Neil Wagner or Doug Bracewell.
"I thought the seamers bowled pretty well, but they never looked like getting a wicket at times. I don't think necessarily changing people 'on the bus' will make a lot of difference."
McCullum concurred. While expressing overall disappointment, his demeanour was calm.
"Sometimes you've got to admit you were second best, cop it on the chin, reflect on it, but don't over-analyse."
He also made a pointed reference to an outside influence which steered the game from the start: "Hopefully I win the toss next game".
"Strangely enough, I thought there were still a lot of positives to come out of the match. We now know how good Tom Latham can be. He is composed and to get a century in these conditions so early in his career is significant. Ish [Sodhi] got better as game went on with his control and Corey Anderson was good without banging door down."
From a selection perspective, Sodhi and Craig can be locked in for Dubai, given the turn forecast.
Despite the lack of seam impact, expect Boult and Southee to play, too. Test cricket remains the game's premier format and should be respected as such rather than resting them with a World Cup looming.
As for batting, McCullum got decent starts as an opener so remains a candidate; Latham excelled; Williamson and Ross Taylor remain the batting spine and Anderson was solid.
The only change might be replacing Jimmy Neesham with Hamish Rutherford or Luke Ronchi. However, Neesham averages 51 in 10 test innings and to oust him on the basis of one poor performance would be cause for claims of a double standard.
Spinning saga
Spin success at Dubai (all matches 'hosted' by Pakistan)
v South Africa, Nov 2010, 13/25 wickets spin, match drawn
v Sri Lanka, Oct 2011, 19/31, Pak win
v England, Jan 2012, 19/30, Pak win
v England, Feb 2012, 25/40, Pak win
v South Africa, Oct 2013, 19/30, SA win
v Sri Lanka, Jan 2014, 9/31, SL win
v Australia, Oct 2014, 22/32, Pak win
• Andrew Alderson travelled to the UAE courtesy of Emirates.
