1. Up to the plate
Someone was always going to have to find something extra for Australia with Mitchell Starc unable to bowl with his foot injury. Up stepped Josh Hazlewood, who showed he had every bit the makings of the leader of the attack with career-best figures of 6-70. No doubt the conditions were better for bowling than batting but when his team needed a spearhead he gladly obliged.
2. We judged too early
After the first Test in Brisbane, it was very tempting to suggest this Black Caps team was out of its depth, was short of bowlers and needed to rely on Kane Williamson to score the bulk of the runs. The latter may still be true to an extent but this has been an admirable rebound for the tourists, who have shown heart, fight and increasing confidence the further they've gone into this tour. Their tail end provided valuable late runs and Trent Boult and Tim Southee finally got the swinging conditions they had been craving. They are building into an impressive unit.
3. Swing an obvious weakness
It's hardly a new issue for Australia but how do they improve their returns against the genuine swinging ball? Previously, it was only on trips to England where they really had to worry about regular swing and shape. Sure, it swings at the Gabba when it's new, but more pink-ball cricket could see them face swing bowling with far more regularity. Somehow, somewhere deep in the depths of the CA offices, they need to uncover a workable solution.
4. Pink hit or missed
Everyone has been raving about the pink ball in terms of crowd and ratings, given the timeslot. But are three-day Tests really to be celebrated? Of course, Tests have ended in three days before and there can be little fault at the hands of the pitch, which played truly throughout. Perhaps modern fans are so fickle that three days is about the extent they can stomach the longer form of the game. The arguments for the pink ball will be strong but perhaps the jury should remain out for a little longer.
5. Burns notice
Joe Burns has the temperament, shot selection and chops to be a Test opener. But he has to work hard on his technique. He was done by a decent one that swung back into the pads but will be well aware of his defensive frailties as he tries to build his opening partnership with David Warner. His first Test century has given him some currency but he needs to start building on top of that keystone.
