The result could be put down, so to speak, to an anomaly. However, with six chances going begging in Wellington last week, the red flag is start to flutter.
Another concern is the identity of the culprits. The likes of Southee and Taylor once had hands like fly paper; now those reputations are under scrutiny.
"No one means to drop a catch," Southee said after what was otherwise an outstanding day for him with a sixth five-wicket bag in tests.
"We've dropped a few in the past couple of games, which is disappointing given the high standards we set.
"It's not a skill thing. We know everyone can catch. It's just coincidence... but we still managed to take 10 wickets."
Southee disputed any suggestion of a communication problem between Taylor and Raval as the new first and second slip combination since Martin Guptill's exit.
"Not at all. You don't get a lot of time at slip, so you need to make a decision to go for it or hope the guy behind you gets it.
"I don't think it's a breakdown. A number of guys field in the slips; they've chopped and changed the last wee while."
Southee paid tribute to B-J Watling with whom he now shares the New Zealand record for wicketkeeper-bowler dismissal combinations. They shared their 44th dismissal with the catch of Shakib Al Hasan down the legside, overtaking Ian Smith and Sir Richard Hadlee. Watling has also taken two catches as a fielder off Southee's bowling.
"'c Watling b Southee' looks good in the scorebook, especially with a couple of burgles down the legside," Southee said.
"We've been a combination for a while now. It's nice to know you've got a good keeper who grabs the majority of chances."
