Though it was a convincing loss on the surface, the mere fact that we managed to expose some weaknesses and exert pressure on Australia's batting was a sign of progress.
We will now head into the final test here in Adelaide knowing we must perform better with the bat, and continue to improve our effectiveness late in their batting line-up with the ball.
We bowled exceptionally well to their top order during the last game and lacked a bit of fire-power when we had them on the ropes.
However, it's our batting that will give us our best chance of success in this match.
Last week, I stressed the importance of our top order reaping big runs, and allowing us to play from the front of the game, rather than catch up, and that will again be vitally important.
The pitch in Adelaide has a history of favouring the batsman, which will be a stark contrast to a spicy Gabba strip.
It's imperative that if our batsmen get a start, they maximise their opportunities and ensure a sizeable total.
The ambition and desire remain strong, and the confidence is rising, so hopefully we can put in a performance that we can all be proud of.
On another note, the recent announcement of Braces [John Bracewell] stepping down, and Andy Moles taking over as coach, effective immediately at the conclusion of this test, has created a bit of media attention over the past few days.
Braces has been a fantastic coach during his reign and has developed the majority of this team.
While he will leave us in a week's time, his impact will be seen for many years to come as we see players' careers blossom with experience.
Personally, I have found Braces to be a wonderful coach and a good friend, and he has played a huge part in my career and development.
He has always been a guy who is incredibly passionate, and who instils confidence in my game.
The impression of him from the media and public is, I believe, very different from the guy we see in the team environment.
We would all love to send Braces off on a high note over the next five days.
I'm sure Andy will be great for us and will help us to achieve our goals as individuals and as a team.
With less than two weeks until test cricket rolls into Dunedin, there is no doubt a lot of anticipation and excitement is building about hosting a team as historically significant as the West Indies.
While the West Indies of recent times have struggled to recapture the glory days of the great team that pioneered cricket during the 1970s and 1980s, they still have huge appeal worldwide.
With the recent Stanford series creating a wider cricket interest throughout the Caribbean, they will be keen to gain instant success, and build on their initiatives.
I'm excited because it's test cricket in my home town.
See you all soon.
• Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum is writing exclusively for the Otago Daily Times. His next column will appear during the Chappell-Hadlee series in February.
