Vaughan hails NZ spirit by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

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DateLine: 6th October 2009

 

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan praised his side's fighting spirit following their defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy final.

 

The Black Caps made it to the finals even though they were badly hit by injuries during the two-week tournament and had to take the field in Centurion without captain Daniel Vettori, who was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

 

"Of course the team is disappointed to have lost the final. But the Australian side has set the benchmark and played exceptionally well throughout the tournament," he said.

 

"The Black Caps showed a lot of grit and fought hard. New Zealanders can be proud that their side has performed well during this competition - beating three top-ranked sides in must-win matches and making it to the final.

 

"Having been hit so hard by injuries during the tournament, the team has battled against the odds and shown great character."

 

Jacob Oram (hamstring), Jesse Ryder (groin), Daryl Tuffey (broken hand), Grant Elliott (broken thumb) and Vettori all succumbed to injury in South Africa, although Elliott had painkilling injections to enable him to play in the semi-final and final.