'Cricket tragics' have nervous hopes pinned on NZ in final

Comedian Ben Hurley.

Cricket fans around the country are gearing up to catch all the white ball action as the Cricket World Cup kicks off in Christchurch on Saturday.

But for comedian Ben Hurley, the first match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval falls on an extra special day.

"The opening game's on my birthday," Hurley said. "So I'll be sitting in front of my television with a bucket of chicken and watching that for the day. That's my plan."

Shane Cortese. Photo / Dean Purcell

That plan - perhaps give or take the chicken - will undoubtedly be replicated by supporters on both sides of the Tasman across the next six weeks. The tournament showpiece is set for Melbourne on March 29 and the question causing Hurley angst is whether the Black Caps will be there.

On one hand, Brendon McCullum's side are third-favourites at the TAB and certainly possess the talent to win the trophy for the first time. But, conversely, New Zealand's cricketers have never been known to excel in favouritism.

"I think, on ability, absolutely, New Zealand should be in that final," Hurley said. "But the thing that makes me very nervous is that New Zealand have never gone into a tournament - perhaps with the exception of England in 2003 - as a possible favourite.

"We seem to be so much better when there's no pressure on us. In 1992 [the last time New Zealand hosted the World Cup] there was no pressure on us - we'd been discounted before the tournament had started."

If Hurley is nervy, then actor Shane Cortese is the opposite. The self-described "cricket tragic" was unabashed about New Zealand's chances.

"I'd like to see Australia knocked out in the group stage - my wife's Australian - but I would certainly like New Zealand to get to the final. I'd be on the plane if that happened."

Cortese thought the World Cup would inspire the next generation as much as it would provide thrills for his own.