McCullum refuses to blame no-ball call

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum refused to blame a wrong no-ball call for his team’s heavy loss to Australia in the first Test.

Adam Voges was on seven when he was bowled by Doug Bracewell in the first innings, only for an incorrect no-ball call to go Australia’s way.

The veteran right-hander went on to make 239, setting up his side’s victory by an innings and 52 runs at Basin Reserve in Wellington.

McCullum said the decision had hurt his team, but he paid tribute to Voges – who capitalised on his second chance.

“It’s obviously not ideal, but you’ve still got to give credit to Adam as well,” McCullum told Sky Sport NZ.

“To be able to have the strength of mind to overcome that and to go on and get 230-odd is testament to how strong a character he is but also how good a player he is as well.

“It was tough for our boys to cop at the time, but I’ve said all the way along that you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth sometimes in this game as well.”

McCullum lamented New Zealand’s batting in the first innings after they were bowled out for 183 having been sent in to bat.

But the retiring skipper feels the Black Caps are better than they showed as he looks for an improved performance in the second Test starting in Christchurch on Saturday.

“Obviously Australia were very, very good in this Test match,” McCullum said.

“I’m still not quite sure whether the margin of the win is quite testament to how close the two teams are, but on this occasion, Australia were far too good for us.”