Chris Cairns: Our best and then better times this year

As Christmas swings around again at breakneck speed, I'm feeling rather nostalgic and wish to recall some highs and lows from the Black Caps family.

Team highlight: It would have to be our victory in the Natwest Series final against the West Indies at Lords in July. It was New Zealand's first one-day appearance at Lords. We posted a total in excess of 250 and the West Indies never looked likely as a sublime fielding display dismantled any Caribbean dreams.

Best bowling: Well take your pick from numerous Daniel Vettori displays as our spin wizard reproduced the guile that we have come to know him so well for. My favourite must have been at the Lords final against the West Indies where he took five wickets, two run outs and the man of the match award. Deceiving Brian Lara was the best and from my position at long off, it took me all of four seconds to sprint in and envelope our match winner in a breath-taking bear hug.

Best batting: This is a difficult one. I thoroughly enjoyed big Jake's innings recently at the Gabba. The flip side of this innings was the determined resistance produced by the limpet, Mark Richardson, at the home of cricket. But to be fair, I didn't see a lot of Ritchie's innings as he always used to put me to sleep (just joking mate, I loved your style). But, for m,e it must be Stephen Fleming and his match-winning one-day hundred against Pakistan at Jade Stadium with Akhtar at full throttle. When your leader stands up like that it really must be the greatest thing in sport.

Best newcomer: Hamish Marshall. You really wouldn't get a better team man. You have to applaud the selectors here as they really did pick him with no pedigree.

Best off field moment: Mark Richardson when he produced his lycra sprint suit at the conclusion of the English test series. Ritchie didn't go down without a fight. Trailing Ashley Giles he lunged for the line in a testicle-damaging spiral dive to try and secure first place. He failed.

The "don't send e-mails to your mates award": Goes to Brendon Bracewell, who in confidence gave his views to his (now ex?) mate Ken Rutherford. Since Ken is from Speight's country it's apt to say "good on ya, mate".

Most astute decision of the year: John Bracewell for appointing Vettori to vice captain. This has given new and welcomed responsibilty to Dan and New Zealand cricket will be the benefactors.

Lastly, wishing you all a merry Xmas and a very happy New Year.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY