Germon was speaking after New Zealand was humbled by an innings in its warm-up matches against Queensland and New South Wales.

``We need to get some of that never-say-die feeling back. The saddest thing for me is what seems to be a lack of fight from the team.

``The players are not seeming to play with a lot of pride.''

Germon said it was imperative for New Zealand's cricket credibility that the side performs well on the opening day of the first test at Brisbane to lift the team.

``One good day could turn things around. If we can dominate the first session either with bat or ball that's all you need.

``The problem is of course that few of our players are in form. We haven't been batting for long periods nor are the bowlers getting wickets, though they are getting plenty of overs.

``From this distance it seems to me we need to play with more pride. Guys have to be able to look themselves straight in the mirror and say they've done their best which I don't think many can do at present.''

Germon, who was ditched from the leadership mid-season last summer, said his faith in himself had been restored.

``It just goes to show it is not one person who is at fault. It is the team as a whole.''

Germon said he had sympathy for new captain Stephen Fleming, battling with his own form while having to lead the side.

``Australia is a tough tour. It's like going through playing in New Zealand at rugby. There are no easy games.''

He said while conditions may not have favoured New Zealand the need to bridge the ``talent gap'' with determined displays was essential.

``New Zealand sports teams have often not been the most talented but have made up for any lack of skill by playing with courage and pride.

``They need to lay it on the line.''

Germon found it unusual for coach Steve Rixon to say players would be sent from New Zealand to replace those not performing on tour.

``My understanding is once you name a team for the tour, that's that. And besides, who at home is playing to that standard. The best players we have are there.''

Germon said he was a little surprised a third opening batsman was not taken on the tour to give the selectors the option of perhaps playing Bryan Young at No. 3.

At present, he said, the side was searching for a suitable first drop with Matt Horne struggling with his form and the similarly aggressive Nathan Astle also out of touch.

NZC chief executive Christopher Doig said while the results were disheartening, no ``panic buttons'' were being pushed.

Doig said it was not ``throat-slitting'' time yet. It was unfortunate most of the side were still learning their cricket craft at test level.

``That will change as we develop our players through the academy but we have to be patient until then. The likes of (Martin) Crowe, (Glenn) Turner, and Sir Richard Hadlee took some time to develop in the test arena.''