Brendon McCullum: Daniel Vettori is a tremendous ambassador for the game of New Zealand

Melbourne: In awe of “outstanding teammate and close friend” Daniel Vettori‘s achievements, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said he can only marvel at the all-rounder’s contribution to the game in not just New Zealand but world over. Having come back from a semi-retirement phase, Vettori has played a major role in New Zealand’s march to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final with 15 wickets in eight games at an economy rate of 3.98. New Zealand train hard ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final

“Marvelled at his career. He’s a tremendous ambassador for the game of New Zealand and also worldwide. I think right throughout his career, he’s played at the right spirit,” McCullum said ahead of the final clash against Australia here tomorrow. “He’s given over half his life to this game. He’s been an outstanding teammate and a very close friend as well. I guess when he comes down on his career he’ll still have many fond memories and close mates from his time playing on this team.” Australia (AUS) vs New Zealand (NZ), World Cup 2015 Final, Preview: Trans-Tasman rivalry unfolds

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McCullum said Vettori’s contribution has been immense in his team’s campaign so far. He said, “He’s (Vettori) been instrumental to us getting to this point in the tournament, and it’s no surprise to me that he has been able to play in every game because he worked so hard to get back. He had this as his vision and his dream to be able to make an impact on the game that he probably hadn’t quite made, albeit everything he’s done in his career.” Michael Clarke’s ODI retirement hardly affects teams focus ahead of World Cup 2015 final

McCullum called it a testament to Vettori’s commitment. “It’s a testament to a guy with great character and a great bloke and certainly a strong leader in the group. It will be nice not just him but other guys as well to achieve the ultimate success for them,” skipper added. Australia vs New Zealand 2015 World Cup final: Indian cricket fans to support Blackcaps