It was a good hit-out yesterday for the Black Caps with plenty achieved even with the Auckland weather trying to play spoiler.
But as the New Zealand team make their way through the rest of this Sri Lankan series, it's important to remember the Black Caps are not the All Blacks.
Losing is not tolerated when you're an All Black, even in times of rest, rotation and World Cup build-up. One loss and we cry foul, one loss and we convince ourselves the coaches are throwing away the World Cup.
It's important to remember not to confuse cricket with rugby. A dominant cricket team is rarely as dominant as a dominant rugby team and sometimes you just lose and you should not read too much into it.
There was a lot of immediate concern among media and pundits after the second ODI. Even with the ridiculous quadruple run-out situation, it was the lack of runs coming from the openers, the scratchy Ross Taylor and the lack of penetration from the bowlers except for Matt Henry (and he's not even in the World Cup squad).
'If it wasn't for Brendon McCullum we would have been in big trouble,' people were saying.
Just chill out, everyone. These warm-up games are just that, warm-up games. Yes, they're fully-fledged internationals but, as people say in rugby circles, 'it's all about the World Cup'.
You play the game to win because, in national colours, you represent your country but us cricket fans have to buy into the bigger picture and accept the World Cup-product is still in the making. There's little point in being perfect now because cricket form comes and goes and you don't want to use it up now. It would actually make me feel comfortable if McCullum had a string of low scores now.
As for the others, a performance here and there is all that is really needed -- just enough to justify one's place in the team and nothing more.
Martin Guptill's innings did just that.
The most important thing right now is that the Black Caps start to play the type of cricket they believe they need to and the great thing about this team is they surely must believe they have the cricketers to do it.
With the exception of Jesse Ryder, all the best players are in the squad. These games are, therefore, about proven performers warming to the task and getting ready to peak in February, a la Guptill, and for the new talent to gain some self-belief.
The other good thing about this team -- win, lose or draw -- is that they have an idea of the formula they need for success and they're not far from applying it. It's so important in the tournament that they start the way they want to end.
By Mark Richardson of the Herald on Sunday
