Joy, distress, and a passing of the baton
It was an up-and-down year for New Zealand, marked by a change of captaincy, the death of a legend, and a couple of impressive debuts
The first Pakistan Test series victory since 1984-85 generated optimism at international level, particularly when unheralded allrounder Colin de Grandhomme started with 6 for 41 in Christchurch, the best innings figures by a New Zealander on debut. New Zealand also took 9 for 72 in fading light during the final session in Hamilton to ensure a clean sweep.
Crowe's death generated a national outpouring of grief because of how his panache captivated New Zealanders beyond the cricketing core.
Jeet Raval earned his call-up, as New Zealand struggled to solve the perennial problem of getting a pair of opening batsmen, rather than one long-term fix (Tom Latham), to see off the shine. The Auckland left-hander had played 71 first-class matches, averaged 43.69 and made 14 centuries when he faced Pakistan. He had averaged more than 40 each season since 2011-12. Suspicions lingered that Raval might be vulnerable against left-armers and spin - both weapons in the visitors' arsenal - but he delivered 55, 36 not out, 55 and 2. His flypaper hands also snared seven catches, six of which came at second slip. His four catches in Christchurch was a record for a New Zealand non-wicketkeeper on debut.
The priorities will be regaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy against Australia, in February; defeating South Africa in a Test series for the first time, in March; and winning June's Champions Trophy in England. Apart from those audacious goals, home victories need to be notched against Bangladesh and West Indies.
Andrew Alderson is cricket writer at New Zealand's Herald on Sunday