McCullum heads into ODI retirement with New Zealand win

Reuters: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum ended his one-day international career with a series victory over Australia on Monday with his side sealing a 55-run win in the deciding third match at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

New Zealand, who were all out for 246 in 45.3 overs, managed to dismiss Australia for 191 in 43.4 overs to give them a 2-1 series win that helped them retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, which is played for between the two countries in one-dayers.

The 34-year-old McCullum is retiring from all international cricket at the conclusion of the two-test series against the same opponents.

New Zealand pose with the series trophies, New Zealand v Australia, 3rd ODI, Hamilton

“I feel incredibly lucky to play for 14 years, meet some great blokes and make some great friends,” McCullum said in a televised interview. “I want to thank everyone for supporting me and making it possible.”

The win, however, was marred by a surreal period of play when the crowd appeared to influence a decision on the field.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who took 3-34 in New Zealand’s innings, appeared well-set on 41 with his side 164-5 in the 34th over and back in control of the match before he hit a delivery back to bowler Matt Henry.

Henry half-heartedly appealed for a caught and bowled but it was turned down.

The giant television screen at the ground then showed a replay that created a huge uproar from the crowd who thought it had cannoned into Marsh’s boot before popping back to the bowler.

Umpires Ian Gould and Derek Walker then asked third umpire Sundaram Ravi for a review after they also saw the replay and heard the crowd reaction.

Slow-motion cameras showed the ball had not hit the ground before Henry took the catch and Ravi told Gould to give the Australian out, which caused an angry outburst from Marsh and his batting partner Matthew Wade.