It was an awkward cricketing summer which promised much but delivered mostly ifs, buts and maybes, as Andrew Alderson analyses.
1 Bowling blues
Watching the venom displayed by Shane Bond and Iain O'Brien helping to bowl New Zealand to victory over Pakistan in Dunedin was deceptive. That was it for Bond's test career and O'Brien retired after the series.
With Chris Martin fading and injuries to Kyle Mills, Andy McKay and eventually Daryl Tuffey, a fragility and sameness in the New Zealand attack was exposed when they couldn't bowl Australia out twice in two tests.
A lack of pace was also obvious, with the only potential long-term help coming from Otago's South African import Neil Wagner, expected to be eligible for the Black Caps next year. Northern Districts' Trent Boult is just returning after a stress fracture to his back which occupied most of his season.
2 Kane able
Kane Williamson's arrival in the Black Caps (but not on the field) reignited the old "good enough if you're old enough" mantra.
It worked for Daniel Vettori but it was to the early detriment of Martin Crowe. Williamson has demonstrated both a balanced head and footwork which will be a pleasure to watch over what could potentially be 15 or so seasons.
His off-spin and dynamic fielding will also be a bonus as he looks to establish himself in all three formats of the game. He looks set to nestle in at No 6 in the test team.
That could also signal a halt to Jeetan Patel's test career if Williamson's tweaking proves anywhere near suitable.
3 Openers closed?
The struggle with test openers continues but BJ Watling and Tim McIntosh could justify being retained.
Since they came together for the first time against Pakistan in Napier, they have had four 40-plus partnerships in eight innings. The downside is that the first wicket has fallen by the end of the sixth over on the remaining occasions.
It's not saying much, but at least Ross Taylor hasn't had to stride out until the start of the 14th over at the earliest, meaning that Martin Guptill, Peter Ingram or Mathew Sinclair have regularly taken some further shine off the new ball. Guptill is likely to be No 3 in the future with the return of Jesse Ryder and promise of Williamson. Martin Crowe also needs to be persevered with as a consultant, at least for another year, to further instil his philosophies on batting time.
4 Following Freddie
The re-drawing of New Zealand contracts in July shapes as a focal point for the year ahead. The redistribution of wealth in the game is likely to see top players continue to follow the new Andrew Flintoff-inspired money trail as freelance cricketers, instead of being attached to national contracts.
Brendon McCullum's decision to play in this summer's series against the Australians cost him about US$350,000 ($495,000) in lost Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 income. Top New Zealand players will struggle to let opportunities like that slide often, as they're paid less of a retainer than many of their international counterparts. New Zealand Cricket still needs its best players so could be left in a compromising position for the foreseeable future.
5 Cricket calendars
The season has left another example of why the congested international calendar needs rejigging. The IPL-contracted New Zealand test players would have packed their bags after the test and winged their way to their franchises. Surely that is not the best environment for playing five-day cricket.
Improved windows are needed, yet administrators are restricted by the current Future Tours Programme (FTP) which extends to 2012.
A Test Cricket Open, as championed by Martin Crowe, would see countries playing series in November, followed by semifinals and a final the following September.
That at least gives test cricket a clear status as the pinnacle of the sport. Space could then be found for other regular series and for players to benefit from the IPL and other Twenty20 leagues.
6 Further foreigners
More overseas players need to be recruited for the Twenty20 HRV Cup.
Yes, they might take a local's place - but the thinking is that there's a need for more exposure of the Twenty20 showpiece.
Players want contests to be more marketable to the public and international television companies.
Their talents are then broadcast overseas and could lead to contracts in lucrative leagues such as the IPL.
It also might halt the imbalance of sides from other countries fielding more overseas players when chasing the Champions League's US$2.5 million winner's cheque.
There is no certainty provinces with restricted budgets would recruit, especially with significant revenue already earned this year through gate takings.
7 Batsmen's paradise
New Zealand's first-class pitches have almost become too good for bowlers. In an unprecedented era of turf technology, 66 centuries were scored in first-class cricket this season and 62 last season - compared with 37 the previous year. There are also more 400-plus first innings scores than ever.
Bowlers may continue to suffer for the time being but it's better to have more runs and consistent pitches than the alternative.
If it means New Zealand's test batting gets better and bowlers have to work harder, then that's the necessary sacrifice to build a quality international test team.
8 A Dan plan
How do the Black Caps replace, or at least formulate a back-up plan, if they lose Daniel Vettori? He may retire from the shorter game soon and step down from the leadership after the 2011 World Cup. His shoulder injury may need surgery mid-year.
Leadership options are limited. Vice-captain Ross Taylor will make an effective leader with experience and Brendon McCullum can't be ruled out if the word "freelancer" is not heard. Vettori has been the saviour this summer, even with his various responsibilities. Equally important is his status off the field. He is respected by the players, media and public for his playing ability but also his thinking on the game which is articulate and canny.
9 Upstairs umpires
Crucial to the future of technology in test and limited overs cricket is the umpire decision review system. It is achieving its goal in tests by eliminating the absolute howler although sometimes the delays in returning a decision test the average fan's attention span. It does keep umpires accountable and, thanks to Sky Television's initiative, fans are being entertained and rewarded for their entry fee when the footage is played on the big screen at the venues.
It is scarcely believable umpires can remain some of the least informed on decisions in the shorter form. The classic example was Gary Baxter's dismissal of Ricky Ponting when the ball came off his helmet in the Chappell-Hadlee series. The ICC must act.
10 Shoving the gloves
What will happen to Brendon McCullum's wicketkeeping? His average goes up in 50-over innings when he's not doing the role (29 to 35) but down in 20-over innings (36 to 33).
He can be an enigma but McCullum's glovework has helped the side's balance.
If he continued, it could also pave the way for Kane Williamson to earn a spot in the middle order as a batting all-rounder, similar to Australia's use of Michael Clarke.
Gareth Hopkins has come in and conducted himself soundly in the recent series against Australia but, at 33, his long-term future might be limited. He is capable of working the ball around the ground but struggles to reach the boundary.
