BLACKCAPS skipper Brendon McCullum says this is the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final that they always wanted.
In his final press conference before tomorrow’s final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, McCullum was relaxed and in jovial mood as he talked about the biggest game of his life.
He said the final “in front of 100,000 [fans] in Australia’s backyard, with the history and tradition and against a very good Australian team” was the perfect scenario.
”This is the ultimate game for us to be able to play,” said the 33-year-old.
“Everyone is excited about it, I’m sure some guys will be nervous tomorrow morning, but it certainly whets the appetites. It’s the greatest stage we can ask for.”
McCullum confirmed that the BLACKCAPS will field the same XI which won the semi-final on the second to last ball against South Africa at Eden Park last Tuesday night.
He said nothing will change in terms of the team’s aggressive approach and mind-set which has served them so well throughout the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
”We will play an aggressive brand of cricket with bat, ball and in the field, and with the humility we’ve played with through this campaign.
“And hopefully the Big Fellow upstairs shines on us when the pressure situations come into play,” McCullum said.
The livewire skipper, who blazed an incredible 59 from 26 deliveries against South Africa to change the course of the match, said there was no point changing the way they play. He confirmed he will come out all guns blazing.
“It gives us our greatest chance of success, to do anything else would be foolish,” he said.
“It doesn’t guarantee success but we’ll stay true to ourselves and play and aggressive brand of cricket with humility as well, and hopefully the big fella upstairs shines on us when the big pressure situations come into play.
“The boys are in a nice relaxed state and just enjoying themselves. It’s is a huge occasion … but we’ll just go out there and try and do our best.”
The BLACKCAPS have had two trainings on the MCG and have thoroughly enjoyed their week in the sports capital of Australia. McCullum said the team were embracing the pressure and the challenge ahead.
“It’s the greatest time of our lives. We dreamed at the start and to now give ourselves a 50-50 chance in the final, it’s tremendous. It’s been a great ride so far.”
McCullum was asked a series of questions about the size of the MCG compared to the New Zealand venues they have played during this World Cup and how the team would cope with the pressure of the big occasion.
He joked that the 90,000 plus stadium, with a large proportion of tickets taken by Indian cricket fans, might not be home advantage that the Aussies were hoping for.
“I reckon we might have the home crowd tomorrow. I think it’s probably no secret that most teams around the world would prefer New Zealand to win than Australia, so hopefully we get a good smattering of support tomorrow and hopefully the Indian guys will be rooting for us.”
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Final – BLACKCAPS v Australia
