New Zealand century-maker Jamie How has backed his fellow batsmen to mount a better challenge against Australia in the first Test than what they showed in a pitiful display against a young NSW side on Thursday.
The Kiwis were bowled out for just 266 on day one of their tour match against an under-strength Blues at the SCG, inviting questions about their credentials just a week out from a showdown with revenge-seeking Australia at the Gabba.
How provided 170 runs to the New Zealand cause, with the rest of his team-mates chipping in with 96 between them.
After a 20-minute team debrief after stumps, How emerged from the New Zealand dressing room convinced the tour wasn't doomed after just one day.
"It's never nice to get out and I'm sure each and every one of us hates getting out, so come second innings there will be some determined guys out there and hopefully we'll put a better team performance on the board," he said.
"The second innings is important for a lot of guys to spend some time out in the middle, but come Brisbane I'm sure everyone will be ready."
Asked to reveal what was spoken about in the debrief, How divulged: "(It was about) guys wanting to be a bit more ruthless and once they get starts to go on and put those big team scores on the board."
"260 is just not going to cut it in Australia. We've got to get 350, 400, 450s … these big scores."
"The guys are disappointed, but determined to turn it around."
NSW all-rounder Grant Lambert, who claimed career-best figures of 5-74, refused to boot the boot into the Kiwis.
He believes the visitors can bounce back at the Gabba.
"We will have to wait to see how they go up there (in Brisbane)," he said.
"It's a different ground, a different attack."
"We've had a good day today, maybe they haven't had their best."
"As a group we bowled fairly well. I'm sure if they had their time again they might change a couple of shots."
"The wicket was very flat so very happy to knock them over in a day for 260-odd."
Teenage paceman Josh Hazlewood (2-53) drew comparisons to Glenn McGrath prior to the match and did nothing to soil his idol's memory on debut.
"It does a lot for your confidence, especially (against) an international team," Hazlewood said.
"I feel good after that performance."
"Everyone said 'relax, it's just another game of cricket' and that's how I took it'."
"It's good to get the first one out of the way. I feel a bit more confident now."