Australian captain Michael Hussey on Tuesday denied the team's World Cup attack was flagging due to an excess of workload or schedule, saying they were simply not performing under pressure.

Many observers, including absent wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, have floated the view that Australia should not have gone to New Zealand, and that the team could not perform at anything like its best levels under the schedule they have fulfilled since January.

However Hussey said the Kiwis' monstering of the Australian bowlers in all three games of the Chappell-Hadlee series had been the result of his men not responding to the pressure that was applied.

"The guys were pretty keen to do well and someone like Mitchell Johnson, who played two of the games, he wouldn't be jaded, he hasn't played much cricket at all this summer.

"I don't think that's a reason.

"The Kiwi batsmen have certainly put them under pressure, and it just goes to show we have to execute when we under pressure.

"If we don't teams are going to chase down big scores."

Shane Watson (2-88) and Johnson (3-81) have bowled well in patches this series, but each conceded far more than their share of runs.

Shaun Tait (2-60) and Nathan Bracken (1-44) were more impressive, but neither could manage to make a breakthrough when most needed at the end, thereby allowing the Kiwis to escape from an untenable 4-41.

"That's the really disappointing thing," said Hussey.

"We had them 4-40 and for them to be able to chase down 350 is pretty disappointing.

"It was an excellent start - Shaun Tait bowled well early and Nathan Bracken bowled outstandingly well early ... we couldn't maintain it."

Wrist spinner Brad Hogg (0-40) improved on his Eden Park effort but again went wicketless, as he has done in each of Australia's five consecutive losses.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP