New Zealand have not beaten Australia in a test since 1993. What chance of a reversal?
The last time New Zealand beat Australia in a test, their bowling attack included Murphy Su'a, Dipak Patel and Willie Watson.
John Wright was playing the last of his 82 tests (and don't you think, given his liking of, and camaraderie with, the Aussies, he could not have imagined a
better way to sign off).
Ken Rutherford and Tony Blain put on an unbroken 67 for the sixth wicket to seal the win.
Eden Park officials opened the gate for the final mid-week morning, perhaps expecting a trickle of spectators; 10,000 poured in.
Allan Border was Australia's captain. Remember Paul Reiffel? Now an international umpire, the laconic "Pistol" was fast-medium bowler along with Merv Hughes and Craig McDermott.
A blond legspinner, playing his 11th of 145 tests, was embarking on his love affair with New Zealand batsmen.
Shane Warne took 17 wickets in those three tests, the first 17 of 103 in 20 tests against New Zealand.
Taking all that on board, it's fair to say it's been a while, or 19 tests to be precise, since that win in 1993. That's six draws and 13 defeats.
What chance reversing a trend which has had Australia win six of the last seven?
New Zealand will have to go some to put road spikes in Australia's path.
For starters, they'll have to be at their optimum, patient and resourceful, and seize their chances when they come - not if, because they will get opportunities.
The bowlers must understand and adhere to their lines.
They've seen plenty of Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey and the effective Brad Haddin in the ODIs to have worked out how to approach their task.
During the ODI series, for example, it became apparent Watson didn't have a clue what Dan Vettori was sending his way. He might have been bowling a Rubik's Cube.
They know Michael Clarke well enough, and will appreciate left-hand opener Simon Katich has piles of patience. Marcus North, the likely No6, is in ordinary form.
The fielding generally had an appropriate air of desperation to it.
More of the same is needed.
The top-order batting is a concern. However openers Tim McIntosh and BJ Watling, and No3 Peter Ingram have spent time with New Zealand's last batting champion, Martin Crowe, this week. The word is the batsmen have spent more time on preparation than for a long time. We shall see.
Having the estimable Vettori at No6 is not ideal but, put simply, there is no one better round the country. Daryl Tuffey at No8? Even allowing for his big improvement this summer, that's a spot too high.
Ross Taylor is one of a handful - Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Chris Martin, Tuffey the others - of senior men on whom New Zealand will lean to lead the way.
This might not be regarded as one of the great Australian teams, but they're not half bad either.
