we have done throughout the tournament.
“There is no challenge which is insurmountable with a lot of hard work, a lot of heart, a lot of belief and making sure that everyone’s heading in the same direction.
“We will play an aggressive brand of cricket with bat and ball. We will play with the humility which we’ve played with throughout this campaign.
“And hopefully the big fella upstairs shines on us when the pressure situations come into play.”
McCullum insisted that his team were not overawed by the prospect of playing at the famous amphitheatre, where New Zealand have won three of their last five matches against Australia.
“I guess this is the ultimate game for us,” he said. “A 100,000 people in Australia’s backyard, MCG and its history and traditions and against a very good Australian.
“I’m sure some guys will be nervous tomorrow morning. There is some excitement about us going out there tomorrow and putting our skills against the best in their backyard.
“That certainly whets the appetite and creates the greatest stage we can ask for. It is certainly going to be a special day.”
McCullum added he hoped his team could win the World Cup for 36-year-old Daniel Vettori, who is likely to end his international career after Sunday’s final even though the spinner has taken 15 wickets in the tournament.
“He is a tremendous ambassador for the game,” the captain said. “He’s given over half his life to this game and has been both an outstanding team-mate and a very close friend. It will be nice to achieve the ultimate success for him.”
McCullum said he expected a keen battle against a country with whom New Zealand shared a “healthy rivalry.”
“We have seen some epic battles over the years and across codes as well, not just cricket and rugby,” he said.
“Tomorrow is no different. It’s a healthy rivalry which can continue well after our time. It’s one that we look forward to as well.”