Frustrating as the series against South Africa must be for all New Zealanders who have again been denied a Test team at full strength, there is evidence that basic Kiwi gutsiness has become a feature of the side again.

It has been apparent in glimpses in the past, but not with the consistency that has emerged under the fire that has been unleashed in South Africa.

Mathew Sinclair's superb 150 is the most graphic example of the fight in the modern Kiwi and if the spirit he showed, after what has been something of a nightmare of his own since his debut innings double century, is what can be expected from future Academy graduates then the future is not all doom and gloom.

Sinclair was always going to work through the treatment he got at the hands of the Australians earlier this year. He has his own competitive desire, and a healthy dose of innovative ability, to get him through most things.

His innings breathed life into the New Zealand innings in this Second Test, but he wasn't on his own.

Shayne O'Connor's sterling support during their 73-run eighth wicket stand was more than what could have been expected of a player who found himself elevated in the batting two places higher than might normally have been the case if the team was at full strength.

But O'Connor has stamped himself as a genuine international cricketer in Africa. The signs were always there. However, the hard work on his game over the winter has paid huge dividends. He has faster, more consistent and, with his swing bowling on song, he is now a key performer for the side.

Anything he does with the bat can only ever be a bonus, so that made his effort of withstanding the South African pace attack, albeit on a benign pitch, a model example of dedication to the cause.

The efforts of Mark Richardson, too old by far to have claimed Academy status but not too old to appreciate opportunity whenever it comes knocking, have also been a stimulus to the backbone-isation of the side.

The feeling persists that Kerry Walmsley, relishing the chance to resume may also add to this quality that is very handy at a time when the bowling stocks are down and the mountain in front of the side gets higher and higher.

Even the effort in managing to lose the first Test by only five wickets, when an innings defeat looked on the cards at one stage, was evidence of the maturity of the side.

That is only what should be expected of a side sitting in the middle of the table of Test-playing nations.

But after so long expecting determination in the manner of the New Zealand side of the 1980s, it is refreshing that in the face of adversity in South Africa, the determination is being delivered as if on tap.

Preparation for the Test match challenge could not have been easy given the shuttle runs from New Zealand whenever anyone sneezed.

But what has been chiselled out of the African experience is testimony that things in the New Zealand system are working.

Dare it be hoped that New Zealand can make the most of events in the Second Test, in Port Elizabeth, today to get into a position to push towards a victory to take the series into the last Test tied at 1-1?

© CricInfo