ICC World Cup 2019 | New Zealand players will be devastated for the rest of their careers, reckons Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum was all praise for hosts England and their captain Eoin Morgan for the brand of cricket they played and the manner in which they handled the pressure of a final. He also stated he knew how disappointed the Kiwis would be having lost a golden opportunity to become world champions.
Having been the captain of the New Zealand side that lost a World Cup final four years ago, Brendon McCullum seemed to know all about the pain the players would go through having let the chance of getting their hands on the trophy slip by. In a highly intense match having a little that could separate both teams, it was England that finally emerged as champions on the back of having scored more boundaries in the match.
“England held their nerve under pressure. New Zealand will be devastated for the rest of their careers because they had an opportunity to win the World Cup,” Brendon McCullum said, reported the Metro UK.Â
While Kane Williamson was the spine of the Kiwis and his astute captaincy had driven the team all the way through to the finals, his equally calm counterpart Eoin Morgan ended up prevailing over him on the day. Morgan is renowned for his composure on the field and McCullum acknowledged that the team’s ability to step up during the big moments was what won them the tournament.
“They’ll have respect for Eoin Morgan because England play incredibly brave cricket. They were beaten by a team that, when the pressure was on, they found a way to get across the line,” McCullum added.
Largely credited for inventing the game and having hosted the first ever World Cup 44 years ago, it wasMorgan who finally led the hosts to their maiden triumph in the mega event.Â
“He goes down in history as the England captain who led his team to a world championship,” concluded McCullum.Â