After a fairly rough start to the tour it seems that things are starting to look a little brighter for the BLACKCAPS with every day that passes.
The convincing defeat they handed the West Indies on Thursday morning came at the perfect moment – just in time to keep the series alive.
And now it seems that the positive news just keeps coming from the New Zealand camp.
Both Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum have been declared fit to play in the must win fourth ODI and will add some much needed experience to the top order.
Taylor injured his shoulder in the first Twenty20 in Florida, but has progressed through rehab quicker than expected, having originally been expected to return for the Test series. 
McCullum is another who was expected to only feature in the Test matches, but the sides horror injury run saw him brought over early as cover.
With both he and Taylor likely to play, the BLACKCAPS team certainly looks far more fearsome heading in to the decisive final two ODI matches.
The ever positive McCullum says the squad are optimistic following their big win. When it comes time to play tomorrow, both he and the rest of the team will be firing on all cylinders.
“I was impressed with how upbeat the guys were when I arrived and I guess that’s testament to how we played in the last game,” McCullum said.
“When you come up against a team which is match hardened it can be a little difficult at times, but I think we responded well mid way through the series which is important. We still have an opportunity to go on and win the series, so not all is lost that’s for sure.
“From my point of view I’m feeling mentally fresh, mentally ready to go and there’s obviously going to be some challenges to overcome, but I’m confident I can play a role within the team and hopefully add some runs at the top of the order as well.”
And what a help that would be. Despite significant improvement with every game, the top-order would be one area the New Zealand side would have focussed on over the past few days.
While starts have been plentiful, the BLACKCAPs are yet to quite push on to that big score they’re capable of. If that changes and the bowling unit continue their form from last match then things are going to get considerably tougher for their Caribbean opponents.
While still facing a 2-1 deficit in the series there is an air of excitement around the Kiwi camp. The mix of youth and experience seems more balanced with the return of McCullum and Taylor.
As McCullum puts it they’re facing a “very strong” West Indies side, but now with a win under their belt and two big time players back in the mix is the pendulum beginning to swing?
Starting at 1:30 tomorrow morning we’ll start to get a better idea.
Time to level the series boys.
