On one side, the game experienced death on a high profile scale with the tragic death of 25 year old Australian test cricketer, Philip Hughes in November, sending shockwaves across the cricket world. For the first time, the game itself seemed meaningless compared to the tragedy that unfolded on the SCG and afflicted the Hughes family and Australian cricket fraternity.
The Australian media coverage in regards to Phil's death may have seemed at times not dissimilar to the coverage devoted to the death of Princess Di, but there was no doubt that the sport was clearly grieving for a future Australian cricket legend.
On the bright side, 2014 was the year that the Blackcaps finally seemed to consistently deliver the performances that its fans had wanted for so long.
It started with the West Indies last summer, and on New Year's Eve when Corey Anderson hit that brilliant record hundred. The Blackcaps carried over that performance in the abbreviated series against India, capping the tour with their first test series win against a top 3 side in over 20 years.
The highlight of that series was Brendon McCullum's triple ton at the Basin Reserve to help draw the 2nd test. It was the first time a New Zealander had breached 300 and one of the top 3 sporting highlights of 2014, if not number one, for Kiwi sports fans.
Indeed, 2014 saw the captain really hit the zenith of his career, as he couldn't stop scoring wherever he bat, helping the Blackcaps win the test series in the West Indies and draw the test series in Pakistan. Sri Lanka beckons and a ton in the Boxing Day test in Christchurch would be a fine way to cap a fine season for Baz.
But Baz wasn't the only reason why the Blackcaps made huge progress this season with Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham all shining with the bat - and then there was always ex-captain, Ross Taylor, who came back after a brief exodus from the side. Then there is the bowling attack which has so much depth and balance, that the selectors can afford to be adventurous on any pitch. Tim Southee is the clear leader of the bowling attack with Dan Vettori slowly stepping aside, aptly supported by Trent Boult in the tests and Mitch McClenaghan in the ODIs and T20s.
Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Neil Wagner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Craig, Nathan McCullum and of course Dan Vettori - the selectors can afford to say Doug (Bracewell) and Jesse (Ryder) who?
So to 2015 - a season which cricket fans can look forward to what with the World Cup, Ashes and the Blackcaps taking on Australia home and abroad later in the year.
Player of the Season - Brendon McCullum.
Performance of the Season - Brendon McCullum's triple ton.
Corey Anderson's rapid hundred comes close though.
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