New Zealand will enjoy semis battle: Captain McCullum


Posted on 24th Mar 2015 10:28 am by mohit kumar

Auckland, March 23 (IANS) New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum on Monday said his message to the team ahead of their cricket World Cup semi-final clash against South Africa will be to put their best foot forward and enjoy the occasion.

Speaking at the pre-match media conference ahead of their Tuesday's contest, McCullum said: "It will be no different to every other game, I think. We talk a lot about this being the greatest time of our lives and the trip that we've been on so far has been one that we'll all remember."

"The game is meant to be fun, go out there, express yourself, enjoy the occasion, put our best foot forward, and we'll see where the cards fall after that."

On losing their third seamer Adam Milne due to a left heel injury, the skipper said it was disappointing especially given the fact that he has put on such an impressive show with the ball for New Zealand.

"Yeah, it's obviously disappointing. Adam has been outstanding for us in that third seamer role throughout the tournament. Injuries happen, though, and in the end we've got some good cover amongst the squad, as well," he said.

"It's really disappointing for Adam. But he'll remain part of the squad, which is good, because he's a good team man, as well, good fellow to have around, and it's disappointing his tournament as such has ended."

The 33-year-old said his team was looking forward to the battle despite some of them being a little apprehensive about the outcome of the match.

"The boys are pretty excited. Some guys get nervous, yeah. I think any game that you play some guys in your squad get more nervous than others," he said.

"But I think overall the general feeling is one that we just can't wait to get out there and display our skills, test our skills against a very good South African team and obviously in a crunch game, as well."

Comparisons have been drawn between the two sides who have traditionally failed to live up to expectations in World Cups. Both teams are eyeing to make their first final in the event.

McCullum said he expected the team which would handle pressure better to emerge victorious.

"Both teams are playing aggressively, playing an entertaining style of cricket, and both teams are trying to win key moments rather than not lose them. So I think tomorrow will be a great spectacle," he said.

"I'd expect that the team that is able to handle the crunch situations the best will come out on top, but I would expect that the margin won't be too far between both teams."

0 Like 0 Dislike
Previous news Next news
Other news

Rahul's tour continues amid Manipur violence, will meet the affected today; Three 'rioters' killed in Kangpokpi

Manipur Violence Three suspected rioters, who were injured in a gunbattle with security personnel

BCCI President: Rajiv Shukla can become the acting president of BCCI, know why Roger Binny can leave the post

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajiv Shukla may become the acting pr

Modi said in SCO: Recent developments in Afghanistan are a big challenge, the root cause of these problems is increasing radicalism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit

Politics: BSP MLAs meet Akhilesh Yadav, doubts about joining the party remain

There is talk of some MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party meeting the top leadership of SP on Tuesday

India vs Sri Lanka: 'Sixer King' Rinku Singh is ready to make a splash in Sri Lanka; called his parents and said - something good will happen

IPL star and Sixer King Rinku Singh is ready to rock the series starting in Sri Lanka with his ba

Valentine's Day 2024: Ankita Lokhande told the definition of love, and said- she became very emotional in Bigg Boss 17

Actress Ankita Lokhande was last seen in Salman Khan's popular reality show 'Bigg Boss 17'. Durin

Luna-25 Crashed On Moon: Russia missed out on creating history, these are five reasons for Luna-25 mission failure

Russia's 'Mission Moon' suffered a major setback on Sunday. Russia's Luna-25 Spacecraft Crashed b

Union Health Minister holds meeting with Health Minister of 9 States / UTs, mentioning the risk of children from black fungus and mutant virus

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan Friday held a meeting with the Health Minister of 9 state

Why Chhath is so important: Priests are not needed, soup from the Dom's hands, and the Muslim's hands take the earthen stove

Chhath is the largest folk park in Bihar because it connects the whole society in one way or the

We have to be at our best to beat New Zealand: Clarke

Sydney, March 26 (IANS) Australia captain Michael Clarke

Sign up to write
Sign up now if you have flare of writing..
Login   |   Register
Follow Us
Indyaspeak @ Facebook Indyaspeak @ Twitter Indyaspeak @ Pinterest RSS



Play Free Quiz and Win Cash