Cricket World Cup: Brendon McCullum expected to be fit for next Black Caps' game

Brendon McCullum receives treatment during the Black Caps' epic Cricket World Cup match against Australia. Photo / Greg Bowker

Brendon McCullum is expected to be fit to lead New Zealand against Afghanistan next weekend, after a scare during his hectic half century for the Black Caps in the Cricket World Cup match at Eden Park yesterday.

The New Zealand skipper took a fierce blow on his left forearm from Australian quick Mitchell Starc in the third over of their cliffhanging chase for 152. On 22 at the time, it took McCullum a few minutes to recover and his arm swelled. He was bandaged and then remained with the team rather than going for scans.

"I think he's OK," Kane Williamson said. "Obviously it was a bit of a concern, when a ball that fast hits you on the arm. But he's a tough competitor and a strong leader and I'm sure he'll be fine."

McCullum has a week to recover for New Zealand's penultimate group A game against Afghanistan on Sunday in Napier.

He raced to his third half century of the World Cup in four innings before being caught at deep mid-off for 50. His innings came off 24 balls, with seven fours and three sixes.

The roar from the crowds as Australia tumbled - at one point losing eight for 26 in just 9.1 overs - was "unbelievable" said Trent Boult, who snared five wickets.

"To have a crowd like that chanting away and right behind us is something pretty special."

Boult believed his side would take plenty out of the match.

"When you come up against the best in the world, you take a few learnings out of it. I'm sure we'll stay pretty grounded. There's a lot of cricket to come so we can't get ahead of ourselves."

Australian captain Michael Clarke bemoaned his team's "extremely poor" batting. New Zealand's dusty batting response didn't change his view either.

"Credit needs to go to New Zealand's bowlers. They bowled really well, swung the ball nicely and bowled good areas.

"Our shot selection was poor and our defence poorer than we would have liked. Sometimes you get caught up in T20 and one-day cricket working on the power side of your game. I don't think we've had too many sessions when we've worked on the start of our innings and defending the brand new ball or swinging ball."

Starc's outstanding 6-28 was "as good as you'll see in any form of the game," Clarke said.

"Good pace, good swing and, most importantly, very good execution."

Clarke felt they had a chance at halftime. "You've got to back your bowlers. I think we've got a fantastic attack."

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