There are no surprises about the two players atop the international Most Valuable Player rankings this year, although it may trip up many a punter to select Kane Williamson ahead of Brendon McCullum. But that is exactly how it stands.

McCullum has been remarkable with a well-documented record breaking double century against Pakistan and an agonisingly close 195 in Test cricket’s return to Christchurch during this year’s MVP season (starting with the tour to the West Indies).