The BLACKCAPS can complete a National Bank Series victory with a defeat of England at Christchurch’s AMI Stadium in the fifth and final ODI on Saturday.
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The team has enjoyed and endured a dramatic series to date.
Emphatic wins in Wellington and Hamilton banished memoeries of reverses in the Twenty20 matches.
Defeat at Auckland was followed by the announcement that captain Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram had been named world leaders for ODI bowler and all-rounder respectively.
Then, that thrilling match at Napier ended in a tie.
And as the action was unfolding at McLean Park, four of the side were also involved in the Indian Premier League player auction in Mumbai.
Oram said: "Being part of that middle order that faltered, I suppose a bit more of the blame is on my shoulders, but that's gone now, we can't lose the series but we obviously want to win it on Saturday."
Vettori, speaking a day later in his captain's press conference, said all eyes were now focusing on a series win.
“I think a win would be the ultimate,” he said. “There’s excitement around the team about 3-1, and if we came away with that result, we’d know we’ve played a very good series.
“Two-two would show how close the teams are, but 3-1 would show we’ve stepped up.”
The skipper admitted he is still hurting from not completing a series victory in Napier, but recognised the game produced a great spectacle.
"It's not been easy for me to get over Napier but maybe some other guys in the team moved on a little bit quicker,” he added.
“It's hurt a little bit but I think the team has been able to sit back and reflect on what an amazing game of cricket it was.”
Daniel Flynn remains in contention for his ODI debut, while Jeetan Patel could also feature.
Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum has recovered from an injury to his left hand sustained at McLean Park.
England may recall spinner Graeme Swann as they seek to level the series.
BLACKCAPS v England, National Bank Series 5th ODI. Follow the action from AMI Stadium, Christchurch live on BLACKCAPS.co.nz, Sky Sports TV and Radio Sport from 2pm.
BLACKCAPS (from): Daniel Vettori (captain), Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Jamie How, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Peter Fulton, Daniel Flynn, Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills, Jeetan Patel, Chris Martin, Iain O’Brien.
England (from): Paul Collingwood (captain), Tim Ambrose, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Phil Mustard, Kevin Pietersen, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Chris Tremlett, Luke Wright.
