Pace had success for South Africa in 2008 and 2012, and India in 2008.
The clay, procured from Waroona 115km south, gives the wicket significant bounce and carry when baked by the West Australian sun. The wicket's pace took a dip when dug up in the early 2000s but the block is now back up to speed.
The Waca pitch is likely to generate more fervour than fear for New Zealand. An attack spearheaded by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, and supplemented by Doug Bracewell or Matt Henry, could optimise the pitch properties and the afternoon arrival of the Fremantle Doctor.
Likewise, New Zealand's top batsmen have proven they are adept at dealing with the ball coming quickly on to the bat. Donning the pads in the Perth sun could suit any of the top six, but the prospects of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor or Brendon McCullum are promising.
Prospecting in Perth - New Zealand success at the Waca
1985
Sir Richard Hadlee is lauded for figures of 15-123 in Brisbane, but his 11-165 to secure New Zealand's only series victory in Australia deserves similar kudos.
Hadlee took 5-65 in the first innings but suffered a groin strain on the first day, caused by spongy run-ups after a recent turf re-lay. He returned strapped and coming off a shorter run in the afternoon to take his wickets.
New Zealand led by 99 runs on the first innings thanks to a 129-run third-wicket partnership between Bruce Edgar and Martin Crowe. To put that in context, only 39 fours were struck across the entire test because of the cushioning created by the new grass.
Hadlee's 6-90 in the second innings left a chase of 164. Crowe's 42 not out anchored the innings, enabling New Zealand to reach the target with 10 overs and six wickets to spare.
1989
In this epic, Australia made 521-9 and asked New Zealand to follow on after dismissing them for 231. Early wickets left No 3 Mark Greatbatch - assisted by Jeff Crowe and Martin Snedden - to bat for five minutes shy of 11 hours and face 485 balls to save the test. His man-of-the-match 146 not out staved off defeat, with New Zealand finishing on 322-7.
Greatbatch didn't play the cut shot until the final half hour and resisted a barrage of sledging. He also suffered the ignominy of forgetting his trousers on the final morning and pulled on the less-forgiving strides of John Bracewell.
Fortunately, someone fetched his own from the hotel laundry by lunch, adding comfort to what became a glorious afternoon.
2001
In the final test with the series level 0-0, Lou Vincent became the first touring player to score a century on debut in Australia since the Nawab of Pataudi for England during Bodyline in 1932-33. Stephen Fleming also made his first century in three-and-a-half years in a third-wicket partnership of 199. New Zealand finished the day on 293-7.
Nathan Astle and Adam Parore continued to tons the following day as part of 534-9. It was the first time four New Zealanders had scored centuries in the same innings. No one else made double figures.
Australia were dismissed for 351 courtesy of Dan Vettori's 6-87 before New Zealand declared again to set a target of 440 in 107 overs. Australia finished on 381-7 after a couple of strong appeals for caught behind.
