In rugby these qualities are best and invariably embodied by that great chunk of a man from the Cape of South Africa, Schalk Burger.

New Zealand pace bowler Kyle Mills has retired from all cricket after an illustrious 17-year career.

Famed basketball coach John Dybvig wants New Zealand to calm down and quit moaning about how the Aussie cricketers behaved during the Cricket World Cup.

The Black Caps may not have brought the trophy home with them, but they returned to New Zealand as heroes after an emotional and eventful Cricket World Cup.

Black Caps supporters have been encouraged to get to Auckland Airport to welcome the team home today.

Defeated, a little deflated, but thoroughly dignified, the Black Caps are hoping fans turn up to welcome them home today.

The graciousness with which McCullum led his side was a testament to his respect for the great and noble game, writes Tony Blain.

First comes the reflection on a job well done, at least until Sunday night. Then will follow the planning, for this cricket team is not for standing still.

How much are the Black Caps each set to pocket for their performance in the Cricket World Cup? Find out here.

Australian cricketer Brad Haddin has come under fire for giving verbal sprays to NZ's batsmen in the World Cup final, but he says they deserved it for being "too nice".

The future of captain Brendon McCullum will be a hot button topic as NZ reassess their one-day planning in the wake of last night's World Cup final loss to Australia.

Shane Warne has hit back at "do gooders" who have complained about his boozy questions during his player interviews after last night's World Cup final.

Michael Clarke says none of his players overstepped the mark, but admits "you cop as good as you give".

Dylan Cleaver, Andrew Alderson and David Leggat answer three key questions following New Zealand's seven wicket loss to Australia in last night's World Cup final.

From pool play to semifinal, the Black Caps’ bowling attack and inspired batting led to the heart-in-mouth win over South Africa.

Grant Elliott could scarcely have done more to put the nay-sayers in their place at the World Cup.

A Kiwi expat who confirmed himself as one of the planet's staunchest Black Caps fans with a 55-hour round-trip from London to Melbourne had no regrets last night about embarking on his monster....

Life can get pretty tough when you're a talisman and you're having one of those days when you just can't "talis".

Australia got their revenge for Eden Park loss, steamrolling a Black Caps side that was unable to truly compete.

A tense atmosphere has settled over the fanzone in central Auckland as early wickets fell for the Black Caps in the Cricket World Cup final today.

Having confirmed his retirement from one-day cricket, Australian skipper Michael Clarke then poo-poohed any notion that it would add extra resonance to today's occasion for his team.

Brendon McCullum writes: Our team has received incredible support and it’s this sense of belonging that we take into the final today. Our motivation is to play for you.

Kia Ora - just to avoid confusion, that's a common greeting on this side of the Tasman.

Grandma was on the floor with that smiling-but-slightly-bewildered expression. And still wearing the Santa hat.