David Leggat: Some more wins, it's not too much to ask

New Zealand seamer Doug Bracewell is congratulated by teammates after taking the final wicket as New Zealand defeats Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Yes, it's that time of year when eyes and minds start to look ahead.

Oh all right, first we open the presents, eat too much, lie about wishing we hadn't for a day then ponder what the next 12 months may hold.

So what about a wish list for cricket? Some of those listed below will happen, others most definitely won't. But that's the beauty of the crystal ball ...

1 That New Zealand's win over Australia at Hobart is not a one-off high. The players would do well to remember the feeling after the cliffhanging seven-run victory. They haven't had it that often of late, but the final day at Bellerive Oval was special. More please.

2 That Doug Bracewell proves to be what coach John Wright hopes he will become; a player with a touch of X factor about him. His performance at Hobart was outstanding, man of the match in all ways except the official one. He's got heart and skill but has piles to learn. Still he's off to a flying start.

3 That Kane Williamson is ensconced at No3 by the end of next year. He wants the job, and is the leading candidate right now. Several others have been tried, none with notable success, since Stephen Fleming stepped aside three years ago. New Zealand need to lock someone into the pivotal role in the batting lineup.

4 That Ross Taylor has a big first full year as New Zealand captain. Why? If your captain is battling, that can run a wobbly seam through the team. A strongly performing skipper rubs off in good ways on those around him in the dressing room. It also enables him to speak with some authority to his players. A lame duck leader faces whispers behind a cupped hand.

5 That the Black Caps moniker will go. This won't happen, so wedded to the name is New Zealand Cricket, but it's a wish list, so nothing is out of bounds. Okay, it's an old and personal chestnut, but why not be called the New Zealand cricket team? Old fogey I hear you say? In this instance, that's a charge I'll happily wear.

6 That a spinner makes big strides towards the national side in the next 12 months. Jeetan Patel and Nathan McCullum are, respectively, tried and found wanting at the highest level, and a limited-overs operator. Whether it be Todd Astle, Tarun Nethula or another twirler doesn't matter. Dan Vettori is not going to be around forever so the contenders should be approaching their work with urgency thissummer.

7 That the winners of the HRV Cup actually win a game in India later this year in the Champions League. New Zealand's record, through the combined efforts of Otago (2009), Central Districts (2010) and Auckland (2011) is Played 8, Lost 8. How's the credibility of the New Zealand domestic game in the eyes of the T20 powerbrokers, ie India, with those statistics?

8 That New Zealand lift their game overseas in a busy year. Tours to West Indies, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa offer a range of conditions and challenges. Time to stand up and show they can be competitive across the cricket globe.

9 Following on from No 7, it's time New Zealand won a true international trophy, so why not the world T20 in Sri Lanka?

10 That cricket, the game, not cricket, the playing field of the cheats and fixers, takes centre stage. You may think it akin to praying for world peace, but there's no harm in crossing fingers on this one.