Whether the Blackcaps go on and win the Cricket World Cup, cricket fans and New Zealanders will forever remember the summer of 2014-15 - it has been some time since we've seen a cricket side from this part of the world be so competitive and dominant over their opponents in the sport, whilst being so exhilarating to watch.
It has been a long journey from obscurity and mediocrity I've realised, as I was chatting with friends over an unexpected early dinner after the Blackcaps thrashed England before tea time in Wellington - the dinner service at Long Bar in Brandon Street probably had more fortitude and endurance than any of the English batsmen.
We discussed the greatest Black Caps ODI XI since the 1980s and it is quite satisfying to see quite a few of the current players in contention for that lineup.
And we also discussed the most average Black Caps ODI XI from the same time - and man there were plenty of good candidates there.
So firstly, here IMO is my greatest Black Caps ODI XI since the 1980s -
Martin Crowe (captain)
Brendon McCullum
Kane Williamson
Stephen Fleming
Scott Styris
Chris Cairns
Daniel Vettori
Richard Hadlee
Ian Smith (wk)
Tim Southee
Shane Bond
And my not-quite greatest Black Caps ODI XI since the 1980s -
Michael Papps
Matthew Bell
Mathew Sinclair (captain)
Shanan Stewart
Richard Jones
Chris Nevin (wk)
Andre Adams
Tama Canning
Kerry Walmsley
Lance Hamilton
Michael Mason
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