New Zealand-Australia Test series could be most intriguing of 2015, writes Robert Craddock

THE most intriguing cricket series of the year — Australia and New Zealand early next summer — may yet be the one most people don’t even know is on.

New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum (centre R) and Tim Southee (centre L) celebrate with teammates after winning the match and the series against Sri Lanka on day five of the second international Test cricket match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on January 7, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MARTY MELVILLE

THE most intriguing cricket series of the year may yet be the one most people don’t even know is on.

It’s the invisible Test series between Australia and New Zealand in Australia early next summer which sits just behind an Ashes series that has completely left it in the shade.

The only time you hear of the New Zealand series is when it’s suggested it may include the first day-night Test in Adelaide, which was always seen as a way of brightening up a potentially drab series.

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It may not need it.

Most unfairly, Test series against New Zealand for some reason excite Australian fans about as much as America’s Cup yachting, but something special could be brewing early next summer because the gap between the Australian and New Zealand teams appears to be narrowing by the day.

Kane Williamson, who recently scored 242 not out, eclipse Martin Crowe as the Kiwis’ best ever batsman.

Put simply, Australia are no longer as great as they were and New Zealand are not as bad as they have been.

And by the time they play next season Australia could be even more vulnerable and the Kiwis a little stronger.

Take Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris out of the Australian team post Ashes and you officially have a side in transition.

New Zealand are not world beaters but they are good enough to keep the world honest.

In typically understated Kiwi fashion, the New Zealand side have assembled a recent record to be proud of.

They are undefeated in their last six series and have lost just two of their last 15 Tests.

It is true that their opposition in that time — Bangladesh, India, West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — were a mixed bag but you can only beat the team that’s put in front of you.

Just after Australia left the Middle East after being destroyed 2-0 by Pakistan, New Zealand put up a much more respectable showing there to share the series 1-1.

New Zealand are suddenly strong in areas where they have traditionally been weak.

They have always struggled to produce high class batsmen and suddenly they have two.

Brendon McCullum may have a patchy record against the strongest nations but his freakish 2014 which featured a triple century, two doubles and a 195 has redefined him.

New Zealand’s Trent Boult is becoming one of the most damaging bowlers in world cricket.

Youngster Kane Williamson is building a case to eclipse Martin Crowe as the Kiwis’ best ever batsman.

The Kiwis have planned well. Sick and tired of being repeatedly embarrassed by quality spinners they asked to play more cricket on the Indian subcontinent and repeatedly sent their young teams into the Devil’s Playground.

They have also struggled to produce decent fast bowling attacks and suddenly, in Tim Southee and Trent Boult, they have a duo respected around the cricket world after being mentored by former Test quick Shane Bond.

They may not create the mayhem of a Mitchell Johnson in full cry and they may lack Ryan Harris’ gold plated numbers but they still finished seventh and eighth on the world Test wicket-takers list last year.

Originally published as New Zealand-Australia Test series could be most intriguing of 2015, writes Robert Craddock