Cricket: Black Caps, Guptill feature in ICC awards

The Black Caps today received the Spirit of Cricket Award at the International Cricket Council (ICC) awards. Photo / Getty Images

The Black Caps today received the Spirit of Cricket Award at the International Cricket Council (ICC) awards in Johannesburg tonight.

It is the second time New Zealand have won the award, after taking the inaugural title in 2004.

The award is presented to the team who have best conducted themselves on the field within the spirit of the game. It is judged by the ICC's elite panels of umpires and match referees, and captains of the 10 full member nations.

Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori said the award was an honour for New Zealand cricket.

"If we can couple the spirit of cricket award with the ICC Champions Trophy then we will be very happy indeed."

Vettori demonstrated the qualities behind the award in yesterday's Champions Trophy match against England, when Paul Collingwood wandered out of his crease after evading a short-pitched delivery from Kyle Mills.

Collingwood was under the impression the end of the over had been called, but wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum threw down the stumps.

The batsman was given out by TV umpire Aleem Dar but, after conferring with on-field umpires Daryl Harper and Asad Rauf and his teammates, Vettori called Collingwood back.

New Zealand reached the semifinals after a four-wicket win over England, who had already qualified. Collingwood, on 14 when Vettori called him back, went on to make 40.

"Looking after the spirit of the game was the main reason for the decision," Vettori said afterwards.

A World ODI team, recognising the best international players of the last 12 months, was also named at the awards.

New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill was selected in the team, chosen by panel chaired by West Indian batting legend Clive Lloyd, at No 6 in the batting order.

Guptill has played 17 one-day matches for New Zealand, beginning his international career with an impressive 122 on debut against the West Indies earlier this year. He has a one-day average of 47, including five 50s and one hundred.

- NZPA