It was Brendon McCullum's captaincy and aggressive starts at the top that had given New Zealand their first final spot in a World Cup. On Sunday, both facets cost them a more concrete chance of faring better in what turned out to be a one-sided title clash against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (McCullum Keeps ODI Retirement Suspense alive )
McCullum had clobbered 328 runs from eight matches at a staggering strike rate of 188.50 before Sunday. But on the day it mattered most, he could not contain his aggressive streak and perished for a three-ball duck to Mitchell Starc's express pace. (McCullum Defends 'Fearless Approach' After World Cup Final Defeat )
Former Aussie skipper Ian Chappell said that started pushed the Black Caps back against the wall.
McCullum was bowled for a duck by Starc.
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"McCullum's wicket set New Zealand back and gave Australia a boost",� Chappell told NDTV. (A Fitting Finale for Michael Clarke )
Several experts questioned McCullum's tactics against Starc, who was named Man of the Tournament for his 22 wickets in nine matches and suggested he should have been more circumspect in such a high-profile match but former India captain Sunil Gavaskar saw nothing wrong with the approach.
"McCullum played that way right through the tournament. Why change something when it's not broken? McCullum's starts helped the team settle down," Gavaskar told NDTV but also agreed that his dismissal followed by other top-order losses curbed the Kiwis.
What also jolted the Kiwis was Australia's top-quality pace bowling backed by sharp fielding. James Faulkner, who missed the team's World Cup opener against England was named Man-of-the-Match for his three wickets. He was well-supported by two other left-arm seamers Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc, who snared three and two wickets respectively.
"Australia have many match winners; you have to beat them because they won't help you. Starc's first three balls made a huge difference to the game. You have to do everything right against them," he said.
Former West Indian captain Brian Lara lauded the Australian team and said New Zealand paid for too many soft dismissals.
"Australia played great cricket. They have more match-winners than any other team," he told NDTV.
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