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New Zealand coach Mike Hesson waiting on players to make retirement decisions

Brendon McCullum of New Zealand
Image: Brendon McCullum: New Zealand captain could retire from international duty

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is anticipating decisions on retirement from several members of his squad in the next week.

It has been speculated that Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum, veteran spinner Daniel Vettori and 36-year-old seamer Kyle Mills may step down from one-day duty.

New Zealand lost to Australia by seven wickets in the World Cup final and Hesson will now begin rebuilding the team for the 2019 tournament in England.

"I won't be twisting anyone's arm," Hesson said. "I think it's important to have people who really want to play. I have no doubt we'll find out in the next week while who those [players] are."

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McCullum was bowled for a duck in the first over of New Zealand's seven-wicket loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, but otherwise led his side with aplomb into a first World Cup final.

The opener’s aggressive batting and field settings were a key factor in the team’s transition from strugglers to World Cup finalists in two years but he has struggled with back injuries and has repeatedly said he treats every game as though it is his last.

Batsman Kane Williamson has been groomed as a potential new captain but Hesson wants McCullum to remain part of his squad.

"He's huge for us, he sets the tone, the guys love to play for him, so I certainly hope he's around. Let's cross that bridge when we come to it. I'm not even contemplating it, to be fair.

"Now is the time just to reflect on the World Cup and in due course we'll look at the future."

New Zealand’s World Cup performance should stand them in good stead, at least in the one-day format, in the immediate future and McCullum says the side will stand by their attacking principles.

"Hopefully that will the filter down to our domestic cricket as well and we'll get some youngsters start to play the game, and try and play it the same way we've tried to operate in this World Cup," he said.

"Once you're in the final you give yourself an opportunity to win it. If we can keep making finals we'll win one at some point."

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