Cricket: McCullum upbeat about prospects against Aussies

Brendon McCullum is upbeat about his team's prospects before a tough series across the Tasman. Photo / Greg Bowker

Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum is upbeat about his team's prospects before a tough series across the Tasman.

McCullum, who with coach Mike Hesson received the New Zealand Order of Merit yesterday, was confident about playing the Australians on their home wickets.

"It's going to be a really tough series. I've said all the way along Australia, in their own conditions, are a formidable side regardless of how much experience or inexperience they possess," McCullum said.

"We're respectful of how tough a challenge it will be but at the same time I think we've got a team that has performed over a period of time.

"I'd rather have our team than theirs."

McCullum also spoke about his captaincy and the Black Caps' "authentic" style of cricket, and the nice-guys reputation that famously got up the noses of Australia this year during the World Cup.

And will he have a beer with the Aussies after each test, after they snubbed the offer of a tipple with the English during the recent Ashes series?

"I'll certainly be having a beer. It's up to them if they want to join or not."

Neither McCullum nor Hesson would be drawn on when their time with the national side could end. Both instead dished up a hefty dose of praise for others.

Hesson said of McCullum: "I think what [McCullum's] contributed to New Zealand cricket over the years has been nothing short of inspirational."

McCullum was made captain in controversial circumstances in late 2012, just after Hesson took over as coach. NZME