NZ media hails team for ODI rout of 'wobbling world champs'

Describing India as the "wobbling world champions", the New Zealand media today hailed the Black Caps' comprehensive 4-0 win over the visiting side in the just-concluded five-match ODI series.

India slumped to their worst ODI series defeat in New Zealand after their crushing 87-run defeat in the inconsequential fifth and final ODI yesterday and the media here basked in the glory of a rare triumph by their national team.

"The rout was completed in style. New Zealand's most complete one-day cricket series performance against quality opponents ended with some capital punishment in Wellington," a report in the 'Dominion Post' said.

"If games one and two were eye-rubbing upsets, then this was acceptance that New Zealand had blown the wobbling world champions off the park, sealing the series 4-0 with one tie," it said.

A report in 'New Zealand Herald' described the 4-0 rout of India the best in the country's cricketing history.

"Tales of New Zealand cricketing triumph tend to be rare. The 4-0 one-day international series victory over world champions India is the best in the sport's shorter forms since the 3-0 Chappell-Hadlee trophy defeat of then-world champions Australia in February 2007," the report said.

"The crowd's euphoria rained upon Brendon McCullum and his team, and deservedly so. Standing ovations were the order of the evening; fans know quality when they see it. The smiles were indelible."

India play a two-day practice game against New Zealand XI from tomorrow at Whangarei before the two-match Test series begins in Auckland from February 6.