Five successive test losses; is it time to throw the hands up and acknowledge New Zealand's current players simply aren't much chop?
The hard evidence shows the depth of the hole New Zealand are in, and South Africa, on their turf, and England at home - world's No1 and 2 at present - are next up for this under-performing lot.
The abject capitulation on the third morning of the opening international against Sri Lanka at Galle this week again raised questions over both the technical and mental capacity of New Zealand's batsmen.
The bowlers, led by Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who strove to get New Zealand back into the match after a lame first innings batting effort, effectively had their efforts thrown back in their faces.
In one sense, the fact Sri Lanka's openers Thuranga Paranvitana and debutant Dinuth Karunaratne eased to the target of 93 in 18.3 overs without loss was a good thing.