http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BB-McCullum-c1129 gutted with his side’s performance on day one – Cricket News Update
Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand captain, is devastated with his side’s performance on day one of the first Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 at the Newlands, Cape Town, but hopes for an improved showing in the rest of the fixture.
The Black Caps won the toss on the opening day and took a brave decision by opting to bat first against one of the finest bowling attacks of the world. The gamble did not pay off as the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Morkel-c73528.
The Kiwi top-order batting fell like a house of cards as the whole team were dismissed for merely 45 runs in only the 20th over of the innings. Philander picked up five wickets; whereas, Morkel and Steyn claimed three and two scalps respectively.
In reply, the hosts had scored 252 runs for the loss of three wickets at stumps, thanks to a superb hundred by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Petersen-c1028.
The wicketkeeper/batsman, who is on his first tour as the official New Zealand captain, admitted that the Kiwis were totally outplayed by the world’s number one ranked Test team. McCullum revealed that the New Zealand players are extremely gutted with themselves as they wanted to prove a point against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473 and company.
“We weren't anywhere near where we need to be with the bat,” said the Kiwi skipper. “We had such high hopes coming into this game. To have put on the performance we did today, everyone is hurting immensely. It's not a good day for anyone involved in our team at the moment.”
The home team has already taken a lead of more than 200 runs in this match, with seven first innings wickets in hand. However, McCullum wants the New Zealanders to come back hard on the second day and restore some pride.
“You certainly don't question anyone's performance but none of us wanted it enough today. We've got to turn up tomorrow and try and get the job done with the ball. We're still capable of performing at this level but we are going to have to improve our performance on today,” he added.
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