Tour figures of 4-505 do not exactly scream success.
But New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is convinced expensive offspinner Mark Craig will be just that in Australia, in a timely boost for their injury-ravaged attack.
Craig has struggled on tour, finishing with match figures of 3-234 in New Zealand's 208-run first Test loss in Brisbane.
But McCullum believed Craig had done enough to ensure they would not be opting for four quicks in the second Test from Friday on a bouncy Perth deck.
McCullum was searching for positives on Monday after their bowling stocks were further depleted by injury.
James Neesham was ruled out of the tour after spearhead Tim Southee also broke down in their opening-Test loss.
McCullum was quietly confident Southee would overcome a back complaint for the second Test.
And he reckoned Craig's first Test performance had also provided another confidence boost ahead of Perth.
On paper, Craig took 0-156 and 3-78 in Brisbane.
And on tour to date, he has overall figures of 4-505, at an economy rate of 4.9 runs an over.
"Mark Craig's done an outstanding job for us," McCullum said.
"He's an important part of our group and he gets better as tours go on.
"It's not fair to judge him on the first innings.
"There's not too many spinners that can come to the Gabba on the first day of a Test match and be successful.
"He started to develop nicely in that second innings and he'll be better in Perth and appreciate those conditions too."
Craig struck 24 in the first innings and an unbeaten 26 in the second in a defiant 46-run last-wicket stand with Trent Boult (15).
Southee and Neesham both suffered back injuries in Brisbane as Australia's batsmen plundered a match total of 8-860.
Neil Wagner has been called into the squad for Southee but incumbent squad member and left-arm quick Matt Henry is on standby for Perth.
Mitchell McClenaghan on Monday replaced Neesham in the touring party.
But McCullum expected Southee to chime into their depleted attack in Perth.
"I'm expecting Tim will be available. He's hard as nails and, if he is anywhere near fit, then Tim will play," he said.
Southee broke down on the second day after being the pick of the Kiwi bowling in Australia's 4(dec)-556 first innings, taking 1-70.
The Kiwi attack also wasn't helped by the underwhelming Boult who did not look like the world No.5-ranked bowler in his return from a back complaint.
"We know Boulty is a world-class bowler. He's just a little bit off and I put that down to how aggressive Australia were at times," McCullum said.
Neesham had overcame a back injury before replacing fellow allrounder Corey Anderson (back) in the touring party.
"At this stage, (Neesham) still experiences discomfort when bowling extended loads," New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said.
