Kane Williamson has suggested that New Zealand will stay focused during the third One-Day International (ODI) against Australia despite the match being the final ODI of their skipper Brendon McCullum. Australia fought back in the second ODI after getting thrashed in the opening match and now forcing the hosts to play the third and final ODI at Hamilton as the decider of their ongoing three-match ODI series. “It’s a big moment for Baz [McCullum] and all the guys that have played with him for so long but the focus is certainly on the game tomorrow,” Williamson said ahead of the Hamilton match. FULL SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 3rd ODI at Hamilton
According to CricBuzz, Williamson who is set to take over New Zealand’s captaincy across formats after McCullum’s retirement made it very clear that the primary focus of the team will be retaining the trophy at Seddon Park and not McCullum’s farewell. He added, “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 now be New Zealand’s third-most capped ODI player after former captains – Daniel Vettori (295) and Stephen Fleming (280). The third ODI at Hamilton will be McCullum’s 260th and final ODI since his debut against Australia in Sydney 14 years ago. He announced his decision of inetrnationla retirement at the end of New Zealand’s home season, in December last year. His final appearance for New Zealand is going to be the two-Test series against the trans-Tasman rivals Australia, with the first Test starting from February 16 at Wellington.
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