Just two days out from the start of the first Test against Australia, it's the Black Caps' ability to adapt to the conditions that is seen as their key to success.
But the talk in the build-up to the series opener has, not surprisingly, been about the talk that goes on in the middle, with the Kiwis again preparing for a verbal battering.
The searing Brisbane temperatures might take some getting used to for the Black Caps.
"It's definitely going to be a huge factor. I'm hot just standing right here to be honest," bowler Trent Boult says.
But they're already well acclimatised to the heat the Aussies bring in the middle of the park and they're anticipating more of the same in the first Test.
"[There will] probably be some sledging but I'm looking forward to hearing it. It's always a good laugh," Boult says.
"I don't think we sledge them at all," Australia vice captain David Warner says.
David, do you remember the Cricket World Cup final? Unsurprisingly, the Aussies are making no apologies for their aggressive approach.
"We play in-your-face cricket. That's how we've always played the game. That's probably why we dominate pretty well in Australia," Warner says.
More of a focus for the Kiwis is the Gabba wicket.
"It looks pretty good … I'm sure it'll have good pace and carry and I look forward to bowling on it," Boult says about the pitch.
The extra pace and bounce, as well as the anticipated swing, should help Boult and the Kiwi attack but provide a stern test for the batsmen, just as it did the last time the two sides met there in a Test - a nine-wicket defeat for the Black Caps in which the top order failed to fire.
"Every wicket has its challenges … [It's] completely different to what we play on back home but I'm looking forward to it," Black Caps opener Martin Guptill says.
And as the series edges closer, it's clear the Black Caps are relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"I think this is probably the highlight of my career so far to be honest," Boult says.
It's a big call so soon after their historic run in the World Cup. Their defeat to Australia in the final though is not being used as motivation for this series.
"We haven't beaten Australia in a series in over 30 years, so there's the motivation there for us," Boult added.
The Black Caps are hoping to let their performance do the talking.
3 News