What are peoples thoughts on that home test summer?
Great series win over a Pakistan team who came to NZ ranked 2 (I think) but were obviously on a bit of a slide given what happened in Australia after they left us. Still a good series win and some tough situations got through to pull it off.
Efficient series win over a fast improving Bangladesh after getting ourselves into a bit of grief. Ground out wins after being in trouble which is a good sign.
South Africa series, more than in two of the tests and with great chances to win at least one of them if rain hadn't intervened. Losing 1 - 0 to a very good side nothing to be ashamed of given wider circumstance and in the knowledge of what they had done to Australia in Australia in November.
If you had asked what the questions were over the side going into the summer, have we answered them?
Raval as the second opener - sorted.
Nichols at 5 - has been improving slowly and showing signs of being good enough. Great century under pressure. Done enough to give him another season or two but could do with kicking on.
Allrounder spot - I'm not convinced on De Grandhomme anywhere but New Zealand. Anderson being back will give us another option. Is Santner an allrounder as a 6 or is he a spinner that bats a bit. All part of the puzzle. Not answered but we have some options who I think are of decent quality.
Spinner - probably depends a bit on your answer to the previous question. But the question isn't answered.
Really think we could do with a marquee series victory to cement this period of our test game, like the India series was for the McCullum team. England at home next summer gives us a great opportunity to do that against a team who have similar strengths but also similar weakenesses.