Here's what sparked the row. English batsman Ben Stokes thrust out an arm which prevented a throw at the stumps by bowler Mitchell Starc - and attempted run out - completing its journey. Not only did Stokes stop the ball well away from his body, but the replay showed he kind of tried to catch it.
Australia were right to appeal, and the third umpire gave Stokes out for obstruction. It was the umpire, not Steve Smith, who sent Stokes on his way which justifies the appeal in the first place if justification is even needed for the rare ruling.
Give me Smith's captaincy over the condescending drivel which followed.
McCullum called Smith's captaincy immature, and prattled on: "It was disappointing that Smith had a chance to make a statement about the way he wants his side to play the game and chose to go the other way.
"Don't get me wrong: winning is important. But the longer you play this game the more you realise that some things are too valuable to spoil."
Spoil? You mean cricket, the home of match fixing?
And are we really supposed to believe that the New Zealand team doesn't still try it on with the odd appeal? Please. The fact is, Stokes was not moving up the wicket to give Starc a hug. Stokes was moving in readiness for a quick single if it was on. This was a competitive situation, Stokes was forced to back-pedal, and he lost out.
Post match comments by England captain Eoin Morgan - a mate of McCullum's - that he would have recalled the batsman can be taken with a large grain of salt.
Come on Brendon, get back with the programme. It's international sport. And when it comes to pressure, you are in Easy Street compared to what an Aussie cricket captain faces. Cricket sledging had gone too far but this is a different matter. And the New Zealand team doesn't need to be shackled by a reputation as the game's goody two shoes.
Mannering choice
A bouquet to Kiwis coach Steve Kearney, for recognising that captain Simon Mannering might be knackered and offering him the chance to opt out of the upcoming tour to England. In my view, Mannering has made the wrong call by going on tour. He hardly ever misses a game and has been run into the ground at the Warriors.
This was a chance to get a decent physical and mental break from leading both club and country. Warriors coach Andrew McFadden tried to drop a hint, publicly saying he felt Mannering would benefit from a break. It must be difficult to turn down the national jersey, especially for a captain, but it was a decision Mannering needed to make.
Codes' NRL dream a fantasy
Some people never learn. The NRL is getting all excited, believing league can jump on the back of Jarryd Hayne and finally crack the American market. Rugby union keeps waffling on about a similar deal. Dream on troops. It's not going to happen.
