Cricket: Three things the Black Caps need to get right in Perth

Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell unsuccessfully appeals for the wicket of Australia's David Warner. Photo/Getty.

The Black Caps take on Australia in the second cricket test starting on Friday after their heavy defeat in the first test.

David Leggat looks as three things New Zealand need to get right in the second test against Australia in Perth:

1. Bowl better

It sounds simple, but the way they were dismembered by Australia's top three in Brisbane on day one was dispiriting. The way that unravelled set the tone for what followed. Perth's Waca is about not getting too excited about the bounce and pace. The old principles of line and length still hold true. Don't waste the ball by bowling too short. There will be swing. Make sure it's utilised.

2. Ease back on the nice guys

They won't because they're wedded to that philosophy, but the sight of New Zealand players rushing to congratulate openers David Warner and Joe Burns after being dismissed for too-easy centuries in the second innings jarred. If they'd had to work their socks off for their hundreds, that's one thing. They hadn't. Certainly New Zealand don't need to go all Mitchell Starc, but save some of the more overt congratulations for the dressing room.

3. More support for Kane Williamson

The No 3 man was king at Brisbane but he could have done with more help at the other end. He was let down at times by some ordinary support. Williamson is the one real test batting champion in this team right now - Brendon McCullum comes and goes, Ross Taylor is battling and both are short on hard recent matchplay - but he can't do it all on his own.