Geoff Lawson:
"New Zealand were also eclipsed with barely a whimper in a series that promised much from the highly ranked neighbours. Perhaps detrimental to their preparation was that they had just battled to a win against England at home on some of their typical surfaces: low, slow and with slow spin.
To be consigned to the stinging contrast of conditions in Perth gave them a huge handicap from the outset, from which they couldn’t recover. Injuries and illness then poured salt into a gaping wound.
...
Special mention must go to Tim Paine for his glovework, which has always been acknowledged, but here was especially impressive. His batting grew into a confident presence and his game has entered a new phase. He has evolved from the caretaker captain of an edgy era to full-time status. He has now earned that right."
