Being outclassed by Test world champion Australia was far more enjoyable than thumping a cricketing minnow like Bangladesh, New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram said.

The Kiwis lost the first Test in Brisbane by an innings and 156 runs and are on the verge of another defeat as the second Test in Adelaide enters its final day on Tuesday.

Even so, Oram, whose first innings century in Brisbane and fighting unbeaten 40 late today provided NZ with some of its few series highlights, said there was nothing better than facing a side of Australia's quality.

"I was under no illusions as to how tough it was going to be," Oram said.

"The results obviously aren't what I expected or hoped for but the type of cricket and how hard it is is exactly what I thought it was going to be and I think that's why I'm actually enjoying it the most."

The Black Caps have come off a tour of Bangladesh, where they won by an innings in both Tests.

But Oram said such wins did not compare with the challenge of playing the world's best.

"I spent a month or three weeks in Bangladesh prior to this and this leaves it for dead and we're losing," he said.

"In Bangladesh we won inside four days, we were the ones winning.

"I'm just loving being here, it's tough, it's bloody hard, but it's not hard to get up.

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