Cricket: Boult on Basin defeat - 'a good learning curve'

New Zealand's eyes are facing the front, not reflecting on the Basin Reserve shocker, according to swing bowler Trent Boult.

Both New Zealand and Australia head to Christchurch today for the second and final test at Hagley Oval, after Australia took a commanding lead courtesy of their innings and 52-run win in Wellington with a day and a half to spare.

Boult reckoned the test was "a good learning curve" for New Zealand.

"It was a good challenge but I think we've got to park that pretty quickly, learn from it and try and bring a better game in a couple of days time," he said.

"They're the best team in the world for a reason and that's what you play for, to play the best teams and perform against the best players. We've been in this situation before so we're looking forward to hopefully levelling the series in a few days' time."

Boult has good memories of the only previous test at Hagley Oval, a win over Sri Lanka last summer.

"The whole group enjoys playing there, it's a lovely ground and hopefully will still have a tinge of green. If we can control the toss and hopefully get in a good position on morning one, we can put some pressure on them."

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Boult says the furore over the erroneous no ball call by umpire Richard Illingworth, which severely hurt New Zealand's chances at the Basin Reserve, isn't a particular issue for him.

Illingworth judged a Doug Bracewell delivery, which bowled double centurymaker Adam Voges while still iln single figures, to be a no ball, which replays showed wasn't.

"I'm not too conscious about it. I go by the rule of trying to toe the line, not try to get too far up.

"Some bowlers push it to the last centimetre. I don't get up that close."

Left armer Boult said it was "sad" that Christchurch will be captain Brendon McCullum's last test, whom he described as "a true leader".

"He's changed the game, the way New Zealanders have got behind cricket, behind the team. It's because of him, his style of play, his captaincy.

"He'll be sorely missed but we look forward to running out with him one last time. I'm sure he's left the team in good hands."