But New Zealand is suddenly daring to dream of ending a 26-year hoodoo Down Under ahead of the first Test against Australia starting at the Gabba on Thursday.

The Black Caps' record in their past 22 Tests is not made any more flattering by the fact one of their two wins was against minnows Zimbabwe.

And there are no prizes for guessing its most damning stat - New Zealand has not won a Test in Australia since 1985.

But captain Ross Taylor is hoping all changes this summer after his team impressed in its drawn four-day clash with Australia A that ended in Brisbane yesterday.

``We don't fear any team going around,'' Taylor said after his 138 in New Zealand's second innings yesterday.

``We've played well in the past and not had the results go our way.

``This is the first time we have had our top team available - we will wait and see.''

New Zealand might be $5.75 outsiders with bookies to win the first Test against Australia ($1.87) but the Gabba clash looms as its best chance of an upset.

Five Australian players have withdrawn with injury and four are in line for a Test debut - including three quicks, ensuring the hosts will feature one of its most inexperienced attacks.

Taylor was asked if it was the weakest Australian team he had seen.

``I guess any team that comes in with a few debutants . . .,'' he said before pausing.

``But it's a bit different with the Australian side who have still got Ricky Ponting who averages 52 and (Mike) Hussey who averages 50 . . . they still have that experience there.''

The Black Caps made 423 in their first dig against Australia A and finished at 6-467 in their second against an attack that featured rookie quicks Ben Cutting, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson.