New Zealand played out one of the great Test matches in Perth last night and it has to be wondered if an all-drawn three-Test series has ever produced as much cricket excitement as this series.

Considering also that the first two Tests were severely affected by rain, it is all the more amazing.

It will be of no satisfaction to Stephen Fleming's side that they were on the end of some abysmal umpiring decisions throughout the series.

Daryl Harper's gaffe at Brisbane, when Justin Langer suffered the closest shout since Danny Morrison was denied in the third Test against Australia at the MCG in 1987, in the first over of the series, was just the first in the summer.

But Ian Robinson's calls in the white-hot heat of battle yesterday were simply unbecoming of an official in such a match. Steve Waugh, Jason Gillespie and Australia will be forever grateful for the calls that went their way.

As far as New Zealand was concerned, they were vital blows that effectively ended their chances of winning the match.

Disappointing as it was, there would not be one New Zealand supporter who wouldn't have minded dipping into their pockets to set up a public fund for payment of a fine dished out under the code of conduct fines system had that been required.

It says something for the Kiwis that they maintained their composure and remained focused on the job at hand.

That also reflects on their demeanour and exemplifies what a fine job they have done in this series for the game in this country.

The CLEAR Black Caps are the most competitive unit they have been since the Hadlee era and they have set a benchmark of consistency that should be a great drawcard to crowds returning to Test match cricket in this country.

The emerging strength of the middle-order was highlighted during this Test. The potential to chase in a positive fashion was realised in the first Test chase in Brisbane, and the emergence of Shane Bond as a genuine fast bowling option, are all aspects of genuine attraction that have been lacking in the New Zealand game for too long.

Then there is the Lou Vincent factor.

His stunning emergence in Perth under the most unlikely circumstances has seen him gain folk hero status, although it has to be said his commitment to the cause was obvious as early as last year as he grew into his role in the one-day team.

His success has still not solved the opening problem. He remains a middle-order consideration and it may be that a player like Mathew Sinclair is suddenly under more pressure for his place than earlier imagined.

The selectors now face an interesting problem with the openers.

Do they recall Matthew Bell for him to try and regain his confidence against Bangladesh in the hope that he can restore himself before the England series?

Or do they revert to Matthew Horne and look to have him in good shape for the England series?

Or do they decide to go the whole hog with Vincent? He would assuredly be a contender to compete his deeds with Bangladesh but the question has to be what is in the longer term interests of New Zealand cricket?

And only the selectors can know that. But they will have to make a clear policy decision, the days for temporary fixes have run out.

Considering that, from an Australian point of view, this series was always going to be the appetiser for the main course, the series provided some rude awakenings, not the least being how far the New Zealanders have advanced.

According to the ICC Test Championship, New Zealand now has fifth ranking among Test nations, which is really neither here nor there. One thing rankings cannot account for is form of the moment, and New Zealand has given the world champions two frights in three Test matches, with the other Test, the second in Hobart unresolved.

That has to be a huge plus.

But with all the hoopla that will be associated with the South African series, New Zealand's deeds will be forgotten by the time of the VB Series.

The time may never be better for New Zealand to launch an all-out assault on winning this series. New Zealand has not reached the finals since 1990/91.

It is a crucial series for New Zealand in the build-up to the World Cup in 2003 and to the defence of the ICC KnockOut next year.

The lasting impression of this series however, will be the obvious planning that went into negating two of the greatest strengths of the Australian side, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

By reducing the risk element against these two, New Zealand effectively took them out of the equation, certainly in comparison to earlier series. There was a lot of leaving of balls outside off stump but, as Perth showed, there was no great reduction in the scoring rate, as Nathan Astle and Adam Parore especially, cashed in on their hard work later in their innings.

Every successful operation has to be planned meticulously. New Zealand's performance in Australia spoke volumes for the work put in by coach Denis Aberhart on his first tour and of the commitment of the side to the plan.

The line has been drawn in the sand with a team which has the potential to be around together for some years yet. A continuation of the attitude against Australia offers exciting days ahead for the national side.

And that should be reflected by the increased support in home Tests, especially those against England, later in the summer.

If New Zealanders didn't appreciate the virtues of Test cricket offered by this series, then they never will.

© CricInfo