New Zealand have defended their gamble at the toss during the second one-day international against Australia, saying any criticism is only with the benefit of hindsight.
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson made the curious decision to bowl first at Manuka Oval, despite knowing full well the ground's reputation as a haven for batsmen.
In the previous six ODIs at the Canberra ground, which is known for its flat and hard pitch, the side that batted first went on to win.
However Williamson rolled the dice - believing the cloud cover and humid conditions could offer something for his battery of swing bowlers - only for the decision to blow up in his face.
While the ball nipped around early, Australia punished the Kiwis by posting 5-378, the side's biggest ever ODI score on home soil.
"Obviously hindsight is a wonderful thing," Black Caps paceman Tim Southee said.
"I think the reasoning is the last couple of days have been overly hot and sunny, and with a little bit of rain around (on Tuesday) it might have been a little bit tacky.
"If we made early inroads then it could've been a different story."
Australian opener Dave Warner, who starred with a run-a-ball ton, said his side were glad when the Kiwis sent them in to bat.
"I thought they were probably going to bowl with the overcast conditions because their best attribute is probably swinging the ball with the new rock and they probably tried to make the most of that," Warner said.
"We knew that batting first here is a plus and you have to keep wickets in hand for the last 10 overs and we've seen that - visiting teams getting themselves into good positions but never really able to finish it off. I think it just gets too far ahead."
