Cricket: Standing ovation on plane for victorious Black Caps

The victorious Black Caps arrived home last night. Photo / Getty Images

While there might not have been a crowd to greet the Black Caps at the airport, Captain Ross Taylor said team members were given a standing ovation on the plane.

"There were about five rows in the front and a couple of obviously cricket fans got up [and cheered]. It was pretty moving moment but it just shows what cricket does mean to a few people and hopefully we can keep putting smiles on their faces."

The victorious Black Caps arrived home last night, much to the delight of loved ones but few other fans.

Usually, the Black Caps return from tests in Australia defeated, but last night held their heads high.

Two days after their seven-run victory over Australia - the first time they have beaten them in a test in Australia since 1985 - the team were still on a high as they arrived in Auckland Airport on three different flights.

Captain Ross Taylor and fast-bowler Chris Martin landed at 8.30pm.

Doug Bracewell, hero of the match but denied the man-of-the-match award, was expected to arrive on a different, later flight.

Taylor said the win was "a starting point for the resurrection of cricket in New Zealand".

The Black Caps were working towards being more consistent to make sure it won't be another 18 years before they beat Australia again.

When asked what he made of Bracewell being snubbed for man-of-the-match Taylor said: "If you asked Dougie at the start of the day [what he wanted] - a test win or man-of-the-match - I'm sure he would have taken the test win."

The team's victory made headlines, as did the decision to award Australian David Warner with the man-of-the-match honour - something the Black Caps criticised for the first time yesterday, when assistant coach Trent Woodhill said the decision was bizarre.

Cricket Australia has abandoned its public voting system for the man-of-the-match award following the outcry.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said it would revert to an expert's choice.