Cricket World Cup: McCullum given all clear to face Afghanistan

Captain Brendon McCullum has been given the all clear to lead New Zealand in their fifth World Cup group A game against Afghanistan at McLean Park on Sunday.

McCullum, the leader and talisman for the New Zealand team with his attacking batting and assertive captaincy, took a fierce blow on his left forearm from Australian quick Mitchell Johnson at Eden Park last Saturday.

Although he batted on to reach a third half century in four cup innings, McCullum had the forearm bandaged.

However coach Mike Hesson today allayed any concerns over his fitness to face Afghanistan.

''Yep, there's no reason for him not to play," he said.

''The swelling is going down. It looks a bit ordinary at the moment but he's batted today without any issues. He's fine."

Only two New Zealand players did not take part in practice at Nelson Park, across the road from McLean Park.

Senior batsman Ross Taylor was attending a funeral while seamer Tim Southee is getting over a fever.

Taylor was to rejoin the squad later today while Hesson expects Southee to be at training tomorrow and should not be in doubt, if selected, to face Afghanistan.

Allrounder Corey Anderson reflected today on the stunning one-wicket win over Australia.

''We've got a bit of momentum and it was nice to take down Australia. I guess there's a bit of mystery for some of us not having played them. It was pretty satisfying."

Anderson called it ''definitely the highlight of my career".

''They're our neighbour and you always want to beat them and to do it in a World Cup makes it that much more special. The occasion around it, one wicket away from potentially losing it, gave the crowd something to cheer about as well."

Anderson reiterated the mantra that no team should be taken lightly just because of their standing in the game.

''Every side's a danger. You don't' want to take any team lightly.

''These two games (Afghanistan, then Bangladesh next Friday in Hamilton) are more important to try and win because it takes us to the top of the pool to give ourselves, hopefully, a better run into the final.

''We'll be doing what we can with scouting meetings and checking what they've done in the tournament," Anderson added.