KEY POINTS:
And now for something completely different: a largely unchanged squad for the World Cup?
Granted, you wouldn't rule out another rabbit being plucked from John Bracewell's selectorial hat, but it would be a surprise if even he saw the necessity for more than one change at this late stage of the season.
Kyle Mills' season-ending knee condition has opened the door for a late replacement in the 15-man squad expected to be named this morning, a setback that's left bowling all-rounder Andre Adams at the head of a short queue of contenders.
The Auckland paceman was included in the New Zealand squad for the home programme against Sri Lanka and for the tri-series in Australia, before being omitted to make way for the recovering Mills.
Having backed up his recent selection with three wickets during Auckland's State Shield final win over Otago at the weekend, Adams should logically have the inside running for a World Cup recall this morning.
For all that, logic has not always played a central role in Bracewell's recent plans, and there is just a chance he could go off on a tangent today, although not as far as the helium-breathing world of those who believe Stephen Fleming should be sacked.
Bracewell might be guilty of his eccentric moments, but it's doubtful even he could imagine a scenario in which New Zealand would be advantaged by the random axing of their long-serving captain.
But that's not to say he couldn't still spring a surprise this morning, when he will also announce his 12 for Friday's first one-day international against Australia, at Wellington.
Several questions hover over Mills' likely replacement.
* Has Bracewell been convinced by Adams, or could he be wooed by the proven record of former golden boy Daryl Tuffey, who has previous experience in the West Indies and at the World Cup?
* Might he be tempted - in the absence of Mills - to carry a specialist strike-bowler, thereby improving the chances of Wellington's Iain O'Brien and test spearhead Chris Martin?
* And how much of a gambler is Bracewell? Would he be prepared to forgo the insurance of a spare batsman to carry an extra bowling option - as happened with the 1999 World Cup squad?
In the latter instance, that would probably mean dropping either Peter Fulton or Craig McMillan and carrying only six batsmen.
Of course, Bracewell could take an even zanier route and replace Mills with another batsman - such as Hamish or James Marshall - but, with bowlers so vulnerable to injury these days, it would be a decision bordering on madness.
Possible World Cup Squad
Stephen Fleming (c), Lou Vincent, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Peter Fulton, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Andre Adams, Shane Bond, Jeetan Patel, Mark Gillespie, Michael Mason.
