An hour or two of the free-wheeling Brendon McCullum at the crease could be enough to give New Zealand an unlikely shot at victory in the first Test according to Kiwi opener Tom Latham.
Rain rather than resistance has largely kept the Black Caps in the Gabba fixture thus far, with just 53 overs able to be bowled on Sunday's weather affected day four.
The visitors are 3-142 chasing a mammoth 504 victory target with McCullum not out four.
While all hope appeared lost for the Kiwis when star No.3 Kane Williamson (59) was trapped in front by Nathan Lyon, Latham said the swashbuckling McCullum still holds the key.
"I think it is important that he goes out and plays his natural game," Latham said.
"If he goes out and bats for an hour or two we could certainly be a long way to winning the match."
The Kiwi captain has looked desperately out of practice following the farcical abandoned tour match at Blacktown.
He was out of sorts in his dig of six in New Zealand's first innings of 317.
But few could question McCullum's batting prowess when on song.
He has a Test highest score of 302 and 166 in one day internationals.
His ability to score fast and turn a game on its head just as quickly clearly has Latham excited.
McCullum's highest international T20 score is 123 - but he has also clubbed 158 off 73 balls for Indian Premier League side Kolkata.
"The wicket is reasonably flat and taking a bit of turn to the right hander in the foot marks but the guys are still pretty relaxed," Latham said.
"The environment we have got at the moment, everyone is enjoying their cricket.
"Hopefully we can take that into tomorrow and see where it takes us."
The man McCullum must defy on Monday looms as off-spinner Lyon (2-33).
The offie again made the difference on a bouncy Gabba deck usually considered a fast bowler's paradise.
Yet the prospect of McCullum teeing off at the Gabba does not faze Lyon.
"He's a world-class player, he's dangerous, but I love challenges and I am looking forward to it, so bring it on," Lyon said.
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