New Zealand may have fallen just short of taking the overall title in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, losing by seven wickets to Australia, despite dominating their previous games and remaining unbeaten until the final match-up. However, it is clear from the latest reports and impressions of cricket experts and fans worldwide that the Blackcaps are the ultimate winners.
Led by Brendon McCullum, the Blackcaps maintained a level of class and sportsmanship unmatched by any other team, despite a sledging from the Aussie in the final after multiple dismissals. It was refreshing to see a team remind fans worldwide the reason cricket is considered a “gentlemen’s game.” When you add this sort of behaviour to the actual cricket New Zealand were playing throughout the tournament, it was no surprise they became the hot favourites to win the final, regardless of whether or not it seemed like one game too many for the Kiwis.
Supporters of the teams who had already bowed out of the competition seemed to unite behind the men in black and it was more than just the home-grown fans feeling the loss when they were unable to get it.
McCullum himself received an immense amount of praise as to how he conducted himself in the final post-match press conference regarding his undeniable and unquestionable support of each and every member of his squad as well as his complimentary congratulations to Australia.
Combining this with the team’s overall attitude towards their opponents throughout the World Cup made New Zealand dominate the headlines while title holders Australia seemingly took the backseat: a position that was not helped by their continuous sledging which, according to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, was destined for the Blackcaps because they were “too nice” to Australia during their round-robin meet.
Clearly the 2015 World Cup proved kind to the Blackcaps with five of their players making the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) team of the tournament. Captain fantastic Brendon McCullum was named captain of the select XI and was joined by team-mates Martin Guptill, Corey Anderson, Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult who all made the cut.
Post-competition, the Blackcaps will be saying goodbye to Daniel Vettori (a man who made his international debut for New Zealand at the mere age of 18 and is hailed as one of the most successful spin bowlers in cricket) as he pursues coaching opportunities in both the Big Bash league as well as the IPL; bowling coach Shane Bond who has accepted a bowling job in the IPL, as well as fast bowler Kyle Mills, who simply has had enough of international duty.
Despite these losses, New Zealand have many big names amongst their ranks in the form of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson to name a few; men who will hopefully still be joined by the likes of Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor who will all step up to the challenge of guiding their team through the coming years until the 2019 World Cup, where they will look to hopefully go all the way and finally win their first trophy.
