New Zealand cricket fans probably muttered to themselves something like ''it's going to be OK, it's going to be OK'' when Brendon McCullum was bowled for a duck in the opening over of the World Cup final.
The Black Caps may not have brought the trophy home with them, but they returned to New Zealand as heroes after an emotional an eventful Cricket World Cup.
New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said he will not put pressure on any of his players to make up their minds about their playing futures in the wake of the team's disappointing World Cup final loss to Australia.
The sportsmanship displayed by Black Cap Grant Elliott during the Cricket World Cup's semifinal was thrown back in his face last night, after Australian players appeared to taunt him when he was dismissed in the Melbourne final.
A cricket career that has inspired millions is set to culminate in one of sport's grandest cathedrals tomorrow when New Zealand play their inaugural World Cup final against Australia.
The path to the Black Caps reaching the ICC Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne tomorrow has seen strangers embrace - and now a group of Dunedin mates are travelling to continue spreading the love.
Four million New Zealanders will burst with pride when the Black Caps play Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground tomorrow - and it will be a particularly special occasion for two proud sons of Dunedin. On the eve of the Cricket World Cup final, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson sent this message to Otago Daily Times readers.