With occasional exceptions over its international cricket life, New Zealand have been a team, whatever the format, who have tended to mix some fabulous days with the seriously ordinary. Might they be about to discover the other side of what success can bring?
Consider this: New Zealand's test record going back to the middle of 2013 has been special. Six successive series either won or drawn. In that time eight tests have been won out of 15, only two lost.
Those who have endured the grim times might be tempted to find a dark room and a cold flannel. So what does this mean in terms of expectations? Some ODI numbers are worth remembering.
Since the start of last year, New Zealand have won nine, lost five and tied one of their 14 ODIs, home and away. Impressive.
At home, since the beginning of 2013, New Zealand have won seven, lost six and tied one match. Less emphatic.
But now they are playing in front of an audience which is coming to expect strong, assertive, winning cricket. They'll see it in the eyes of the young fans who will seek their autographs and look to get near them, starting at Hagley Oval tomorrow against Sri Lanka and running up to the World Cup start on February 14. More of the same please, sirs.
It is unlikely to affect the players, other than hopefully stir them to at least maintain their form. The words frequently used by the test group - and by extension the one-day squad - is that they adopt a level approach, come what may.
It's a form of Rudyard Kipling's line about treating triumph and disaster as twin imposters.
The reaction to either further success in the seven-game series against Sri Lanka, or a shortening up against a quality ODI team - ranked fourth, two spots higher than New Zealand - will be intriguing.
It could demonstrate a changing attitude towards the national team - success producing a demand for more or, with the World Cup around the corner, a return of the old nagging reservations.
