The obvious talking points from the drawn home test series against England were the fabulous form of Peter Fulton and the remarkable debut from Hamish Rutherford.
The unlikely combination of a recycled journeyman and an international rookie made for a wonderful story at the end of the summer. Many people questioned whether Fulton had the technique to be successful, with some critics cruelly labelling him ''a walking wicket''.
Rutherford had been pigeonholed as a specialist twenty/20 player and was not even playing first-class cricket 14 months ago.
Their success, of course, raises the question of whether New Zealand actually needs to play six specialist batsmen in the two tests against England in the United Kingdom next month.
Dean Brownlie's spot in the playing XI always felt like an insurance policy for a batting line-up low on confidence. He played well in South Africa but he was ineffectual against England in New Zealand conditions.
His axing would allow Brendon McCullum to sneak back up the order to what is probably his ideal position at No5, and also make room for a much needed all-rounder.
The Black Caps' lion-hearted seam attack of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner got through a lot of overs in the series but could not quite finish the job in Dunedin or in Auckland. If there is a lesson, then it is that the attack could definitely use the relief an all-rounder would offer at the bowling crease.
The question is, does anyone mount a more compelling case than Brownlie?
James Franklin thrives at domestic level and has had plenty of opportunities at international level with mixed success. Surely, his time has passed.
Colin Munro was unconvincing during his brief stint, albeit against a very talented South African team. Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee have not developed their batting as hoped.
Daniel Vettori could fill the void but he is in the twilight of his career and will not be considered because of concerns about his match fitness. Kane Williamson is very much a part-time spinner despite his four-wicket bag in the third test.
Perhaps the answer was there to see during the warm-up match against England in Queenstown.
The New Zealand XI upstaged the tourists, winning by three wickets, and two young all-rounders were to the fore.
Otago's Jimmy Neesham and Northern Districts' Corey Anderson both impressed. Anderson got injured and did not bowl much but his aggressive batting helped turn the game, and Neesham took four wickets on the opening day, including the scalps of Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott.
Neesham must be moving closer to a test opportunity. In seven first-class games for Otago this summer he returned 20 wickets at 33.90 and scored 401 runs at 40.10.
Left-arm pace bowler Mitchell McClenaghan, if he is fit, may replace Ian Butler, and Martin Guptill will probably be included as batting cover, although he will find it difficult to dislodge Rutherford or Fulton in a two-test series.
Seconi's test squad For English tour
Peter Fulton, Hamish Rutherford, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum, BJ Watling, Jimmy Neesham, Bruce Martin, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Mitchell McClenaghan, Martin Guptill.
