KEY POINTS:
If embattled New Zealand coach John Bracewell's ears aren't burning right now, it can only be because his head is in a bucket of ice.
The wisdom of reappointing him after the World Cup in the Caribbean this year was questioned by some and the unease will only have increased after what is shaping up to be a B-grade horror movie of a tour to South Africa.
New Zealand's third woeful batting effort in three attempts came on the same day that widely read website Cricinfo released damning statistics on the Black Caps' away form.
Ironically, Bracewell has more legitimate excuses for his side's plight now than he has had for the rest of his roller-coaster tenure, with injuries to key players and recent retirements a key factor in the woes.
But the fact remains New Zealand's test fortunes have nose-dived since he took control in 2004, his side repeatedly falls over, and he has been an unconvincing selector (something that was partially addressed when he lost his power of veto recently).
New Zealand have won just one test away from home in the 2000s against any nation other than perennial losers Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. That was against the West Indies in 2002, before Bracewell took charge. Since his arrival, and aside from series against the aforementioned sprats of world cricket, New Zealand have lost every test they've played away from home except a high-scoring draw in Cape Town last year - eight of nine to be precise.
Bracewell has made raising the performance of New Zealand in the longest form of the game his priority over the next two years.
The performances in South Africa have served only to highlight the magnitude of that task.
Beating Bangladesh at home in the New Year might make the Black Caps feel better about themselves, but it shouldn't stop the wolves from gathering at the door.
