``It's becoming a recurring nightmare. How we capitulated after doing so well at the start of the test series is inexplicable,'' Doig said.
Doig was with the team until just after the start of the second test at Galle when New Zealand's fortunes plummeted. He then left for the ICC annual meeting, and has just returned to Christchurch.
``I'm sure the second-test loss at Galle proved mentally debilitating but it was very disappointing how they capitulated in the third test.''
Doig said he could understand how New Zealand was beaten at Galle with the Black Caps getting the rough end of the weather and some unfavourable umpiring decisions.
Doig said he was disappointed that promised work on the outfield before the match did not eventuate.
``I approved the venue on that basis but then the work did not happen. I have to cop that on the chin.''
Doig said he had a long talk to coach Steve Rixon, who felt the batsmen had not been throwing their wickets away, but had struggled against some quality slow bowling. ``That Muralitharan is a class act, even with that bowling action of his.''
Doig said the team's performance was even more galling given it had had three consecutive test wins for the first time in its history, the previous two coming at home against Zimbabwe.
``We just seem to be moving forward, then we take another two steps back. We are trying to do our best with the structure of the game in New Zealand. I guess we just have to keep being patient and the consistency will come.''
He believed New Zealand had chosen the best players, and said captain Stephen Fleming had come of age as a test batsman with his performances.