New Zealand are banking on several intense net sessions to get them right for the first Test against Australia after a farcical tour preparation.
The Black Caps' three-day match against a Cricket Australia XI was abandoned on Friday less than four sessions into the fixture due to the state of the pitch, after the home side had posted 1-503.
That setback for the visitors came after a two-day fixture at Canberra's Manuka Oval in which just four wickets were taken by both sides and a pink ball day-night match at the same venue against the PM's XI which they won by 102 runs.
It is hardly an ideal preparation for the Kiwis as they chase their first series victory in Australia in 30 years.
A lively Gabba wicket is expected when the first Test begins in Brisbane on Thursday and the visitors travelled north from Sydney on Saturday - two days earlier than initially planned.
Coach Mike Hesson's side is banking on the Gabba's practice wickets, that generally faithfully replicate their centre-wicket relative, to provide them with the warm-up they crave ahead of the three-Test series.
However, New Zealand won't get the opportunity to play on those wickets until Monday. They are scheduled to train at Allan Border Oval on Sunday, where the wicket is traditionally far more-placid than those on offer at the 'Gabba.
Hesson, charged with the task of toppling Australia in Brisbane for the first time since the all-conquering West Indies did 27 years ago, is putting a brave face on the situation.
"We will be right once we get to Brisbane, where we will train on wickets that will be relatively similar to the surface," Hesson said.
"You don't turn up to any countries expecting favours. We batted a day in Canberra and got 370-2 and that served some value."
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