Brendon McCullum checks the damage to his arm after being hit by Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson. Photo / Getty Images
Brendon McCullum checks the damage to his arm after being hit by Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson. Photo / Getty Images
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson today allayed any concerns about captain Brendon McCullum's fitness for the next World Cup assignment against Afghanistan in Napier next Sunday.
McCullum took a nasty blow on his left forearm from Australian quick Mitchell Johnson in New Zealand's thrilling one-wicket win at Eden Park yesterday.
He batted on to flay a third half century in the cup off just 24 balls, but his arm had significantly swollen and he finished the innings with it bandaged.
''He looks a bit like Popeye," Hesson quipped today.
Hesson admitted to a feeling of ''pure elation" when Kane Williamson lifted the six to win the match after left arm swing bowler Mitchell Starc had torn through the New Zealand innings with a magnificent performance in taking six for 28, the fourth best ODI analysis by an Australian.
He pushed Australia within touching distance of what had seemed an unlikely victory at halftime, with the Aussies looking to defend a meagre 151.
''There was quite a bit going on underneath," Hesson admitted of his emotions as he watched Adam Milne and Tim Southee dismissed in consecutive balls by Starc, leaving last man Trent Boult to see off two deliveries before Williamson could get back on strike.
''Obviously Mitchell Starc had started swinging the ball nicely. Four guys were knocked over first ball they faced from him. He's a challenging guy.
''Trent showed a heck of a lot of character to leave a wide one when he had a fair bit of adrenalin going. It showed he was still thinking clearly.
''Kane realised he had to make a move, and to play the shot he did showed what a quality player he is."
Image 1 of 22: Australian opener Aaron Finch is bowled by Black Cap Tim Southee. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Hesson had high praise for the way Williamson and Corey Anderson steadied the New Zealand innings which was teetering at 79 for four.
''Those guys will be better for that experience. I think everyone will, to be fair."
Williamson, an understated personality not given to shows of emotion, ''gave a couple of smiles" after hitting the winning runs in his unbeaten 45, Hesson joked.
''He doesn't give much way. That's just who he is.
''He's pretty determined and goes about his work methodically. It was a pretty special game to be part of and with the role he played, I'm sure he'll look back on it with a lot of satisfaction."
New Zealand have the next two days off before reassembling in Napier on Wednesday.
