From the Heist of Hyderabad to a hiding in Hamilton.

Shoaib Bashir’s visa, Ben Stokes’ hamstring, Chris Woakes’ off-spin and patio heaters. Two Ollie Robinsons, James Anderson and Josh Hull.

Across 17 Tests in 2024, England have veered from exhilarating to infuriating, often in the same session.

In credit, just, with three series wins to two and nine Test victories to eight.

The first-Test triumphs in India and Pakistan have all-time great status. Defeats in Dharamsala, Rawalpindi, by Sri Lanka at The Oval and this week in New Zealand, were downright dreadful. Twice beaten by more than 400 runs, a feat no other team has managed in the same calendar year. When England lose, they get mullered.

Stokes’ men have the knack of winning series openers – all five of them this year – then fading like broken Christmas lights. Four finales lost, three dead rubbers treated like beer matches.

England’s win-loss record is mitigated by eight Tests played in tough Asian conditions and the balance sheet looks healthier still given the revamp of personnel. For that reason, the value of England’s 2024 may not be revealed for some time, well beyond a mouth-watering 2025.

Of 24 players used, seven have been debutants, most with success. England have lowered the age-profile of their team while keeping results stable.

Anderson, Robinson (the bowler), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Dan Lawrence have been shown the exit. Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jamie Smith and Jacob Bethell look here to stay. It is a contrast to the pension-pushing Australia team.

The pace bowling needed most surgery and ends as the most improved. It is one of Brendon McCullum’s biggest achievements as coach to wean England off Anderson and Stuart Broad.