McCullum and Hesson Honoured for New Zealand Success

New Zealand Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum and the team’s coach Mike Hesson have been appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM) in the Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Honours list released on Monday in honour of their success during the Cricket World Cup earlier this year.

“It feels funny accepting one of these but I’m sure the rest of the guys will enjoy it too. We’re trying to make an impact on sport while we have an opportunity, and leave it in a better space than when we took over,” said McCullum.

New Zealand was the only unbeaten team in pool play during the Cricket World Cup before losing the final to their co-host Australia. In addition to their World Cup success McCullum and Hesson also led New Zealand to an unprecedented five Test wins in the 2014-15 season.

“We front the team from a coach and captain’s perspective but we wouldn’t be here receiving this honour without a very good group of cricketers and really good support staff around us. I feel honoured, privileged and surprised”, said Hesson.

Honours are awarded biannually in New Zealand– at the New Year and to mark the official Queen’s Birthday in early June.

Article Source: Daily Times Pakistan, June 03, 2015.

Image Source: Tvnz.co.nz