David Leggat: Still plenty of ifs and buts remaining

The Black Caps celebrate after beating Pakistan in the fifth ODI at Abu Dhabi this morning. The victory meant New Zealand claimed the series 3-2. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand arrive back from the United Arab Emirates tomorrow afternoon.

Time to put the feet up a few days? Yeah right.

They have one day off before reassembling in Christchurch on Tuesday to prepare for the first of two tests against Sri Lanka starting at Hagley Oval on Boxing Day.

Those players who figure in test and ODI squads can expect little letup until the end of March. By then they'll know if they have gone where no New Zealand team has before, winning the World Cup, or if the tournament will be consigned to another of those frustrating semifinal finishes. Or worse.

The series against Pakistan was supposed to help clarify matters for the Zealand selectors Mike Hesson and Bruce Edgar.

The idea was to get a clearer idea of who they want for the World Cup squad of 15.

What has likely happened is more a case of having their initial thoughts confirmed.

Take speedster Adam Milne.

For many the jury remains out on the country's most slippery bowler since Shane Bond, now New Zealand's bowling coach, was whizzing them through a few years back.

However, Milne's performance in the fourth ODI in Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning was hugely impressive. Breaking 150km/h is now not a fleeting thing, more a couple of times an over. Milne will be in the 15.

There are no more internationals to be played before the cup squad is revealed on January 8, just four rounds of domestic Ford Trophy cricket.

Where matters are slightly complicated is who else will be in the fast-medium group.

Kyle Mills' groin injury last week was untimely. The selectors will surely want the country's senior seamer, partly for his important role within the bowling group but also given his record. Only Dan Vettori has taken more ODI wickets than his 237 in 167 games.

Nothing to do but sit tight for word from the medicos.

Anton Devcich, Dean Brownlie and possibly allrounder Jimmy Neesham are in danger of missing out (this column was written before this morning's final ODI).

The first two needed to make a significant statement in the series. Brownlie had his chance in the fourth ODI this week.

He reached 42 in 48 balls, and stroking the ball nicely. If ever a chance had presented itself, neatly wrapped and wearing a bow, this was it.

Instead, he got out softly again, chipping a catch to mid-wicket. Decisions are made on moments like that.

Neesham has had a lean tour altogether, but he's unlikely to be thrown under a bus.

Keep an eye on the domestic games coming up. There might be a surprise to come.

Grant Elliott's name has been whispered this week as making a late rails run if another middle order option is felt necessary. He can score at a good clip. Four tidy overs per innings might also help.

But only 15 can be chosen.

A fortnight of ifs and buts loom.