Melbourne: “Who are you backing tomorrow?” asked a fan as New Zealand practiced in the backdrop ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final. As New Zealand trained in the nets, their fans watched from the adjoining concourse outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). If they spotted any neutral spectator, they would ask for their opinion. Being the first time they will play the World Cup final, that too against their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia, there is a bit of nervous energy, which is quite in contrast to their team, who practiced without any hint of pressure. SCORECARD: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Final Australia (AUS) vs New Zealand (NZ) at Melbourne
Fans have come from all over New Zealand. Asking everyone about their origin, you could have ticked almost every important city in the country. There were fans from Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and a few New Zealanders based in Australia. Some of the Kiwis spread around Australia have also made their plans to come to Melbourne. All are hoping that their team brings them glory. In a rugby-mad country, a cricketing victory will certainly bring in a festive sporting atmosphere. “I booked my ticket for the final a year ago. Didn’t know if the Blackcaps would be there, but I didn’t want to miss this,” said one fan from Dunedin. He is indeed fortunate that his team has made it through and answered his prayers. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final could be the last match I see, says Martin Crowe
Skipper Brendon McCullum lauded the support and spoke about the attention they have received in recent times. “It’s a pretty amazing ride. The guys have been great about it as well. We know when the World Cup is over we’ll sort of return a little bit to where things were. But at the moment we’ll just try to embrace the fan following and what we’ve been able to achieve for New Zealand. I think it’s captivated the country back home. We’ve felt the support all the way through,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
As New Zealand practiced on the eve of the game, the fans were very much a part of the ritual. Set on one side of the nets, they passed their comments and tips, all in good humour. There were loud roars whenever a bowler got the better of a batsman. If an argument ensued between the two about the possible result of a shot, the crowd played the mediator. Perhaps the funniest moment came by when McCullum was caught and bowled by his own brother. Some of the comments from the crowd made the players chuckle as well. New Zealand dream of toppling Australia in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final
Being in New Zealand, one would know that cricket fever has gripped the country. McCullum’s posters can be seen in almost every corner of Auckland. For the first time, people feel they have a team that can bring them world glory. That has inspired them to follow this sport and rekindle their love! Meanwhile, there is another, perhaps expected, corner of support for them. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final, Australia vs New Zealand: Match facts
The Indian support: Many Indians have made it to Melbourne for the final. Some would have booked their tickets in anticipation of seeing their team in the final. Although there are mainly the Australian and the New Zealand jerseys on show, the Indian colours make the odd appearance near the MCG. The official India jersey is still being sold at the Merchandise Store outside the MCG. That is the only team jersey apart from the finalists’ on offer. But, what was interesting was that numerous Indian fans were buying New Zealand flags and jerseys leading up to the game.
McCullum was asked about the possible Indian support ahead of the game. “I reckon we might have the home crowd tomorrow actually. I think it’s probably no secret that most of the other teams around the world would probably fair New Zealand to win Australia. So hopefully we’ll get a good smattering of support tomorrow, and I’m sure the Indian guys will certainly be rooting for us,” he concluded. If the Indians do turn up in their numbers, New Zealand would certainly have some great support on the big day.
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Australia vs New Zealand 2015 World Cup final: Indian cricket fans to support Blackcaps
