The BLACKCAPS have come to the end of one of their most successful home summers ever.
Played 21, won 14, drew two and lost five, facing a variety of teams from Pakistan to Australia, to Bangladesh and South Africa.
Obvious highlights include retaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy by shutting out Australia at home, as well as a ANZ Test series whitewash over Pakistan, who arrived as the top ranked Test team in the world. The four Test victories in the home summer the most ever by a New Zealand cricket team.
The summer ended with some classic ‘what ifs’, as the BLACKCAPS forced the star studded South Africans into a game five ODI decider and were also hampered twice by rain in the Test series.
All in all coach Mike Hesson declared the unit “quietly satisfied” with how they’re tracking.
“It been a long summer but I think it’s fair to say it’s been a pretty good one," he said.
“We’ve challenged and beaten plenty of good opposition this summer and recently we’ve gone toe to toe with probably one of the best touring sides in South Africa.
“In the Tests I think we matched them bar one day when they certainly outplayed us in Wellington, but we’ve had a few pretty good days in this Test match (3rd ANZ Test) and I think Dunedin was pretty even.
“I’ve been really pleased with the way a number of different players have fronted up at different times. Henry Nicholls, who was under a bit of pressure when we returned to New Zealand, his form has been exceptional. 
"Jeet Raval was introduced for the home summer and he’s certainly made an excellent start.
"On the bowling side of things, no matter who we fronted up with - they just kept doing the job,” Hesson said.
The home summer has also been captain Kane Williamson’s first proper tenure in charge.
The 26-year-old’s lead from the front with the bat, ticking off numerous milestones, but that’s not only what’s impressed his coach.
“Since Christmas, I think his captaincy across all three formats has been exceptional. He reads the game particularly well, gets to know the players and what makes them tick. He certainly makes a real effort to get the best out of everybody.
“I think the thing that the team likes the most about Kane is that he’s so selfless. I understand you (media) might not get quotes from him talking about himself, but that’s him. He doesn’t do it for effect. He does it because that’s what he cares about, he cares about the team and cares about winning games for his country - that’s his priority.
“If he’s able to to achieve milestones along the way then so be it, but it’s certainly not something that drives him - what drives him is trying to win games for New Zealand.
The third ANZ Test in Hamilton was a tick for the depth in New Zealand cricket. Missing experienced stars in Ross Taylor, Trent Boult and Tim Southee, the side was able to rally and do everything but beat a formidable Proteas side.
Hesson said he and selector Gavin Larsen always backed their wider squad to be able to come in and step up, but giving them opportunities throughout the season is a challenge.
“We’ve got quite a young group and some really promising players, but selection is all about timing .. it’s about whether we think people are ready to stand up. Not just are they scoring runs and taking wickets, but do they actually have the skills to be able to take on an attack like this (South Africa).”
The BLACKCAPS now have a short break before switching into one day mode ahead of June’s Champions Trophy knockout tournament in the UK. The team’s preparation will start with camps at home through April, before a tri series with Bangladesh and Ireland in Dublin in May.
