KEY POINTS:
These are heady times. Not only can New Zealanders speak highly of their cricket team without fear or ridicule, but we can even look ahead with an optimism usually reserved for the terminally naive.
It wasn't so long ago - eight days to be precise - that this
sort enthusiasm could have easily attracted the eye of the Director General of Health, or at the very least earned a scornful response from the game's aficionados.
But what a difference three games can make. Three stunning wins against a world champion Australian outfit that were only a fortnight earlier being lauded as being near-unbeatable.
By 10 wickets at Wellington, five at Auckland and one at Hamilton; the only consolation for Australia was that they managed to reduce the margin of defeat each time.
And what style. Complete dominance in the first and then two scintillating run-chases in the second and third.
Finally, one of those rare moments when New Zealand cricket supporters were left feeling like something special might be about to happen.
And, just in case it's been a bit too much to take in, the Weekend Herald brings you 10 Reasons to Feel Good about New Zealand's World Cup Campaign.
The Return of ... Craig McMillan. First he super-sized himself, then he was dropped, and now the McAttack's back - not quite as large as life - but still a better batsman than a car salesman. Recalled as a boundary-hitter, he played the part to perfection during the two massive run-chases, and will arrive in the Caribbean next week with his confidence at an all-time high.
The Super Squeeze - now developing in the New Zealand batting order, which will stretch to breaking point when all-rounder and automatic selection Jacob Oram returns from his finger injury. No longer will New Zealand have to rely on the best of a bad lot. Watch out for one batsman out of Scott Styris, Peter Fulton, McMillan and Oram to miss the cut.
Great Galloping Gillespies - What was that? One of the finds of the New Zealand summer, Wellington paceman Mark Gillespie backed up his impressive debut season with the ball with an unexpected cameo of 28 during Tuesday night's epic chase at Hamilton, confirming his stature as a man for all seasons.
Braces didn't listen to the media - Whew! Just as well. If he did he might still be trialling Brendon McCullum at the top of the order instead of using the wee fella's pyrotechnics at No 7. McCullum's batting since reverting to the lower-order has been a triumph, mixing support work with partners such as Oram and McMillan, with his own brand of match-winning aggression.
But don't forget stability - and the fact that the turnaround against Australia came immediately after the World Cup squad was announced and when security had been returned to the team, instead of the uncertainty and anxiety that reigned earlier. The suggestion seems to be that, now that the players know their place in the World Cup squad is assured, they've been able to concentrate on the job, rather than worrying over their futures.
Ross Taylor - has the capability of taking the World Cup by storm, having already proved his quality against the world champion Australians, tri-series winners England, and one-day heavyweights, Sri Lanka. Crucially, the young right-hander can play both games, the MCC copybook, and the Caribbean Calypso, an ability that allows him to defy field setting and access all areas of the park. West Indians will love him.
Stephen Fleming's Form - patchy at best following a slow start caused mainly by his inexplicable resting in the first three games against Sri Lanka. Showed signs of coming right in the tri-series, and batted beautifully in the first Chappell-Hadlee match at Wellington before falling cheaply in the next two. Is overdue for runs and, given the chance, will fill his boots in the West Indies.
Weather and Track - conditions in the West Indies could suit New Zealand a bit more than Australia or South Africa, given almost every pitch will start the tournament as a new and unused surface. New Zealand's batsmen would prefer things flat and evenly paced but the bowlers could have a field day if things are low and slow.
The Return of ... Lou Vincent - and just in the nick of time too. Sporting a slightly restructured forward defensive technique and a dramatically-refined shot selection, the Kaukapakapa right-hander hasn't looked back since being recalled. With Vincent in form, Fleming threatening and Taylor full of runs, New Zealand's much-maligned top-order is suddenly looking potent.
Just when you think it's over - it never is with the New Zealand lower-order. From McMillan and Jacob Oram at No 5 and 6, to McCullum, Daniel Vettori and James Franklin at 7, 8 and 9, the Black Caps' line-up has a lively sting in the tail.
