While the philosophy of Brendon McCullum's team is admirable, entertaining, and often exhilarating and successful, it's no guarantee of coming out on top at every turn.
New Australian skipper Steven Smith reckons his team have found an area they can exploit with the ball.
"We know a lot of them come out and play their shots and that will play into our hands nicely," Smith said yesterday.
There have been occasions when New Zealand's approach has backfired, notably their inability to bat out for a draw on the last day at Lord's last May.
It's a warning that New Zealand must be aware a bit of patience will be required. Blunting a bowling attack as strong as Australia's is key.
It's a message New Zealand's greatest player, Richard Hadlee, spelled out yesterday, although his words more aimed more at the bowlers' task than that awaiting the batsmen.
The same principle applies, though. A three-test series in Australia is a treat last experienced 14 years ago, and New Zealand will treasure the experience of what lies ahead. Throwing away any hard-won advantage through thoughtless cricket won't win admirers.
Both teams confirmed their XIs yesterday and while Josh Hazlewood's inclusion as third seamer ahead of veteran Peter Siddle drew a mixed reaction - although seven wickets on this ground against India last summer won't have hurt his case - Doug Bracewell getting the identical job ahead of Matt Henry didn't.
"Matt did a pretty good job in England and the test match before [against Sri Lanka].
"Doug Bracewell did a pretty good job for us as well. It's a bit of a coin toss between them. We were comfortable either way. We just felt Doug was bowling a touch better at this point in time," McCullum said.
Bracewell does have outstanding success in Australia to lean on, his nine for 60 at Hobart four years ago pushed New Zealand to a thrilling seven-run win the teams last squared off in a test.
Much has happened to him since then, including off-field travails which cost him his place in the squad for a time, but it can't hurt in terms of self belief in Australian conditions.
While Australia feel they might have an aspect of New Zealand's game to work to their advantage, New Zealand will fancy making early inroads with the ball.
The recalled Queensland pair Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja are still finding their test feet, although both know the Gabba's vagaries well.
Tim Southee and Trent Boult were given due recognition by Smith yesterday.
"They're very good bowlers up front, and do swing the ball. That's their strength," Smith said.
"We have to go out and counteract that and the longer we're out there, the more they bowl, and the easier it'll get."
McCullum said his team are relaxed, and in a good frame of mind.
"We're under no illusions how difficult our task is. But we know if we buy into our plans and execute them we can give ourselves a chance."
-By David Leggat of the New Zealand Herald in Brisbane
First test, Australia v New Zealand, Brisbane, starts 1pm today
Umpires: Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth (England)
Australia: Steven Smith (c), David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (c), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Jimmy Neesham, BJ Watling, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult.
