KEY POINTS:
It's not rocket science to pinpoint where New Zealand are most vulnerable heading into the daunting two-test cricket series against South Africa starting on Thursday.
Following the 85-run loss to South Africa A at Potchefstroom this morning (NZ time) in their second and final buildup match, Bracewell agreed that the heat was building on his specialist batsmen.
"The reality is that the top order is not performing to the standard required," Bracewell said.
"The simple fact is that we are coming out of the winter break and the conditions have been fairly tough for both the matches we've played."
In both warmup matches, including the 216-run defeat of a South African Invitation 11 at Bloemfontein a week ago, the top order have struggled for runs and are sure to be targeted by the quality Proteas attack in the first test in Johannesburg.
Openers Michael Papps and Craig Cumming have scored just 133 runs in eight combined innings, with more than half courtesy of Cumming's 67 at Bloemfontein.
Likely No 4 Scott Styris has scored just 44 runs at an average of 11 while former captain Stephen Fleming missed the second game with a thumb injury.
There was one bright point to emerge from the Potchefstroom defeat, with Ross Taylor hitting a bright 86 to probably ensure a place in the test lineup at No 5.
Jacob Oram has struggled with the bat at No 6 but has been arguably their most effective bowler so will retain his place.
Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum and captain Daniel Vettori had been the most effective batsmen so far on tour at seven and eight in the order.
Bracewell said the pair had shown how to go about batting on what he termed "indifferent" pitches.
"It's pleasing how the middle and lower order have been firing so well and it's been a traditional thing for us to share the runs through the batting order," he said.
"It was great to see Ross Taylor bat so well and he showed how to bat on an indifferent pitch, with good application, and hopefully that understanding goes through to the top-order as well.
"We just need to tough it out, to dig into our character. It's not for a want of trying or a want of hard work."
Bracewell took his players straight to a net session after the fourth and final day lasted just 20 overs at Sedgars Park this morning.
Chasing 358 for victory, the Black Caps went into the final day on 230 for six but lost their last four wickets quickly to be all out for 272.
Their hopes of snatching a remarkable comeback victory - they had trailed by 251 runs in the first innings - rested largely on Taylor, who was on 79 not out.
But he was dismissed in the fifth over of the day for 86 when Boeta Dippenaar held a fine catch in the gully off Friedel de Wet and the tail was exposed.
Fast bowler De Wet struck for the ninth time in the match when he had Shane Bond caught by Dippenaar at second slip for six and the spinners then came on to wrap up the innings.
Vettori had battled gamely for nearly two hours but there was to be no dramatic victory for the tourists as the left-hander was the last man out, failing to read left-arm googly bowler Gulam Bodi and being bowled for 30.
It had been another brave fightback by the New Zealand middle-order after they had been 67 for five.
- NZPA
