If you think the Black Caps are the only team with a revolving door at the top of the order, then think again.
Pakistan has had just as much trouble there, with five different combinations in the last 10 tests.
Wristy left-hander Salman Butt has been in three of those partnerships and wants his test spot back after he was dropped during the recent series against Sri Lanka.
"There wasn't much I was doing wrong which I could correct," Butt said from the sidelines of the picturesque Queenstown Events Centre where the tourists are playing a New Zealand Invitation team in a three-day warm-up match.
"The main thing was I had to go back [to domestic cricket] and score runs."
Those opportunities can be brief when you are playing for a country which is cricket mad.
"In one-day games, I've had 73 games and 17 partners, which makes it quite difficult," he revealed.
"If you recognise two or three good players who have the ability to win you games, then you should give them a longer run.
As a cricketer, you expect that but you have to take your chances when they come."
The 25-year-old made a name for himself when he scored his maiden one-day 100 against India in 2004 and has forged an impressive one-day record.
But the same success has eluded him in the test arena.
In 22 matches, he has scored 1146 runs at an average of 28.65, including two 100s.
It is a useful record but not good enough to cement a place in the side.
Still, Butt has shown glimpses of greatness and has drawn comparisons with Saeed Anwar.
Pakistan fans, it seems, like to talk about Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail in the same way New Zealanders like to remember John Wright and Bruce Edgar.
Butt welcomed the comparison with a player he has long looked up to.
"I definitely feel proud because Saeed and Aamir are an inspiration. Most Pakistan opening batsmen try to be like Saeed, especially the left-handers. I'm lucky to be compared to him."
There is just the one warm-up match before the three-game test series begins in Dunedin on Tuesday.
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"New Zealand has always been a good side at home and they are tough to beat. So it will be a competitive series."
The climate will also present some challenges.
Despite Queenstown turning on a pleasant day, Butt was wrapped tightly in a jacket with the zipper pulled all the way to the top.
The pitches will also take some getting used to.
Butt was in New Zealand for the under-19 World Cup in 2002 and remembers the wickets as "soggy".
"It will be difficult but we have guys like our captain, Mohammad Yousuf, who is such an experienced player. We look up to him and go to him for strategy and advice on how to cope with the conditions."
