Cricket World Cup: Milne to replace McClenaghan

Adam Milne is expected to replace Mitchell McClenaghan. Photo / Paul Taylor

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum expects Adam Milne to return to the first XI in place of Mitchell McClenaghan for tomorrow's quarter-final against the West Indies.

McCullum reserved final judgment until he had seen the pitch, but declared his side had contingencies even if they weren't at their best.

"I'm a horse racing fan so, in that parlance, if we miss the start it doesn't mean we're out of the race. The horse has never been better and we've got every chance in this game to win, even if things aren't 100 per cent. You can't say that about too many New Zealand teams in the past, so that's encouraging.

"It's hard because you don't want to put added pressure on the occasion. One of the things we've worked hard on is ensuring we go into pressure games with the same level of confidence and understanding of what works for us so we can exhibit our skills.

"It's a knock-out game, but the game doesn't change because there is more on the line.

We still need to play an attacking brand of cricket. It doesn't guarantee success but gives us our greatest opportunity. We'll enjoy the moment, a full house, and hopefully perform accordingly.

"This game has a funny way of biting you when you take your eye off the ball. We know what works for us, but need to make sure we're calm so we know what's on the line and execute skills that have served us so well."

McCullum downplayed the impact of Chris Gayle, who trained at the Basin Reserve today.

The West Indian opener had a workout in the nets and broke a white picket from a drive during throw-downs from the main field. However, a pre-arranged post-training interview commitment had to be rescheduled because he was enjoying a bo-boz in the dressing room.

"I don't think it changes too much; we expected him to be playing," McCullum said. "He's a world-class player and destructive on his day but the West Indies are stacked with match-winners. We have prepared accordingly.

"We played a few seasons together at Kolkata, spent a lot of time playing against each other as well and have shared some good times off the field.

"He's a great character, the game is richer for his involvement and we've seen some of the hands he's played over the years. He's a guy international cricket is lucky to have."