The selectors have gone for predictability over innovation in their choices for the Test series with Australia.
The chance to announce Kane Williamson onto the world stage was passed over in favour of a return to the throng for Mathew Sinclair.
It is unlikely that Sinclair will play - his position in the 13-man squad is as 'batting cover' - and this, I would have thought, was even more reason to select Williamson.
Get him alongside the team, close to the action, with a view to maybe playing him in the Second Test.
Such contentions aside, the Test series will hinge around the performance of New Zealand's batsmen and whether they can bat for long periods against an Australian attack well-versed on matters of discipline and persistence.
The top three of Tim McIntosh, BJ Watling and Peter Ingram have it all to do to get New Zealand off to the starts Dan Vettori desires.
If the shine can be dulled from the ball in a safe manner, New Zealand does possess real strength in the middle order. A position of some dominance might even be reached given wickets in hand.
But much hard work is required to gain that upper hand and with serious question marks over the quality of the first three batsmen in the order, the Australians will begin the series with a pep in their step.
The biggest question mark surrounds the abilities of Ingram and whether he is able to perform at this level.
On face value, there is not much to like about his technique, other than to say he must have a great eye.
And although it is commendable that selectors continue to show faith in their players, it seems to clear to many pundits with a sound grasp of batting techniques that this is a selectorial call destined to fail.
There is no secret formula to beating the Aussies. Somehow New Zealand has to show even more determination, self-belief and bloody-mindedness than its opponent.
That the Australians have an unquenching thirst for each of these commodities signals the size of the task Vettori's men have to handle.
We won't be the favourites to succeed, but if we show the right character, we, as underdogs, might have our day in the sun.