We’ll continue to play aggressive cricket: Baz

 Tribune News Service

Melbourne, March 29 

New Zealand may have lost the World Cup final but they have won the hearts of cricket fans across the globe with their ultra aggressive brand of cricket. They were like a heavyweight boxer going for a broke right through the tournament. While they knocked out every opponent on their way to the final, they found themselves at the receiving end in the final.

Is the fall at the final hurdle going to make them rethink their approach and strategy? “No, we won’t change our style of play. Look, for us to be the team we want to be in international cricket, we have to play like that. I think there’s an element of fearlessness about how we play,” said Kiwi skipper McCullum.

“We’ve loved every single minute of it. We’ve created memories and friendships which will last for the rest of our lives. We’ve had some support from our country which we never believed was possible. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve,” he said.

“I thought the way that we played throughout this tournament, the brand of cricket that we’ve played, the way we’ve entertained people and I guess left nothing out there in terms of the character and attitude on the field. I think it’s been one hell of a ride and something that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” the skipper said.

The gracious Kiwi skipper was generous in his praise for the World Champions. Australia played better. It came down to one game. Australia stepped up and they were too good for us on the night. Look, it’s a credit to them that they were able to do so on a big occasion.” 

It’s fairytale ending for me: Clarke

Every sportsperson dreams of going out on a high. Michael Clarke is one of the few sportspersons who actually get that opportunity. He walked away from the ODIs with a World Cup in hand. So, he was absolutely right in calling it ‘a fairy-tale ending’.  “I don’t think I can leave on a better note. Like I say, there’s no such thing as fairy-tales, but it’s as close as it gets for me personally,” Clarke said.

The skipper got a standing ovation and a rapturous send-off on his way back to the pavilion after taking Australia to the threshold of victory. Yeah, it’s been really special. Like I said, even announcing my retirement yesterday, I really didn’t want to take anything away from the team. Yeah, so even tonight, I really wanted to run off the field so I didn’t take that — I wanted that applause for the team,” he said.