Black Caps insist they will not be distracted by skipper Brendon McCullum's one-day swanswong in the Chappell-Hadlee decider
McCullum farewell 'no distraction'
Brendon McCullum is playing his 260th and final one-day international in the series decider against Australia in Hamilton on Monday but New Zealand teammates insist that won't be a distracting factor.
Long-serving skipper McCullum, whose first ODI was against Australia in Sydney 14 years ago, will retire from the international game this month. His swansong will be two Tests against his trans-Tasman rivals.
Kane Williamson, the man expected to inherit the Black Caps captaincy in all formats, says McCullum's ODI exit at Seddon Park on Monday hasn't been mentioned in the Black Caps dressing room.
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Retaining the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is the chief motivator, with Australia levelling the three-match series with a four-wicket win in Wellington on Saturday.
"It's a big moment for Baz and all the guys that have played with him for so long but the focus is certainly on the game tomorrow," Williamson said.
"In a short series like this you have to stay positive. We're playing some good cricket. Yesterday we weren't at our best and Australia showed why they're one of the top teams in the world."
McCullum will bow out as the third most capped New Zealand ODI player behind two former captains – Daniel Vettori (295) and Stephen Fleming (280).
His short, aggressive starts to both games in the series have been trademark McCullum but Williamson admits the rest of the batting order has largely failed to build on it through the middle stages.
Williamson top-scored with 60 at Wellington before falling caught at short cover for the second successive game.
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New Zealand's best batsman played down concerns Australia are targeting that area but he reckons the home side need to value their wickets with more vigour against what is an inexperienced touring bowling attack.
In the field, Williamson hopes their attack can be more consistent, believing they were only at their best in patches.
Williamson expects a third high-scoring game at another small ground, which has sold out.