Brendon McCullum has declared this blackcaps team the best prepared he's ever been part of heading into a World Cup.
The skipper fronted cameras for the final time today ahead of tomorrow's tournament opener against Sri Lanka, although he wasn’t giving much away.
The Black Caps' road to the World Cup starts here, the scene is set and the time for talking is nearly over, but McCullum says he and the team are excited to start the tournament.
"Everyone's excited, it's been a great build-up from our point of view, now it's a matter of how we seize the opportunities we get."
The team's confidence is high, and every player has delivered strong performances during a long build up
McCullum is aware the expectation around his side is growing as the tournament gets closer.
"We believe we're a good team and we have a chance in this tournament - but there are some good teams around," he says.
First in their way is Sri Lanka, a team hoping to capitalise on the growing pressure surrounding the Black Caps.
But Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews is putting on a brave face.
After a 4-2 series loss to New Zealand, they've lost both of their final warm up matches, and there's concern around the form of returning weapon Lasith Malinga.
He hasn't played a one-day international since August last year, and bowled seven overs without a wicket for 46 runs in Sri Lanka's seven wicket defeat to Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
Experts feel he's underdone, but McCullum is not buying it.
"He's a world class bowler and makes a significant difference to their bowling line-up.
"He's a phenomenal death bowler and he's a factor we're going to have to overcome if we're going to succeed in this game tomorrow."
But the weather perhaps presents an even greater threat, and McCullum says he will be keeping an eye on it.
"I'll have a little eye on the forecast I think that could play a part when it comes to making your decision at the toss…I used to race to the curtains and hope it was raining."
But not tomorrow, not for a match so vital to New Zealand's hopes of ending their World Cup journey in Melbourne.
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source: newshub archive
