Robertson GrantBLACK CAPSWorld Test Championship 2019-21Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister for Sport and Recreation): I seek leave to move a motion without notice to congratulate the Black Caps on becoming cricket's first world test champions.DEPUTY SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There appears to be none.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I move That this House heartily congratulate the Black Caps on winning the International Cricket Council's inaugural World Test Championship. The exhilarating final played against India over the last six days was in fact the culmination of two years of international fixtures which saw the Black Caps defeat Pakistan the West Indies India and Sri Lanka and also England—although somewhat bizarrely that wasn't part of the World Test Championship—along the way. All of this happened through the difficulty of COVID-19 and that makes this achievement all the more remarkable.Throughout this time the Black Caps have stood out for their determination and never-say-die attitude. In Mount Maunganui over the summer fast bowler Neil Wagner bowled over after over with not one but two broken toes while driving New Zealand to victory over Pakistan. And even last night wicketkeeper BJ Watling who was playing his final test match for New Zealand played through an agonising dislocated finger. In sometimes seemingly hopeless situations the Black Caps have found a way to win.Their ability to perform against a much larger and better resourced opponent was never clearer than in the final. Our representatives of the team of 5 million against those of a team of 1 billion saw the little guy come out on top. I want to acknowledge the talented and competitive Indian team who played such a part in a rollercoaster of a game that saw all possible results still live on the last day.The win saw valuable contributions from almost every member of the Black Caps but I want to pay particular tribute to the man who hit the winning runs Ross Taylor. New Zealand's all-time leading run scorer exemplifies the spirit and culture of this team. Having lost the captaincy of the side in 2012 he has continued to commit himself to the team and its culture and he has flourished in his batting role.To all of the Black Caps and their remarkable captain Kane Williamson we are so very very proud of the team. I have had the privilege to spend time with the Black Caps over the last few years and they have a team culture that exemplifies the very best of Aotearoa New Zealand. They are frequently cited by other teams and commentators as playing cricket as it should be played—playing hard but always playing in a spirit of fairness respect and camaraderie. The team are humble authentic and deeply loyal to one another and to New Zealand.In addition to Kane Williamson in this regard I also want to acknowledge the coach Gary Stead; manager Mike Sandle; previous captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson; and all of the back room team. I also want to acknowledge David White the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket and his team who have worked so hard to not only support the Black Caps but to genuinely make this a game for all New Zealanders.In conclusion I want to say that I was at Lord's two years ago with a number of other members of the House when New Zealand did not win the one-day international World Cup. I say did not win" because I am pretty sure that they did not lose either. That was a heartbreaking day for cricket fans but obviously much more so for the players. Seven of those players were in the team today.The resilience of this squad has been incredible. They are now the number one - ranked one-day international team in the world and are now the world champions of test cricket. We are so very proud of them. This is truly a golden age of cricket in our country and I'm sure that they will inspire young boys and girls across the generations.Last night we saw that nice guys can finish first. On behalf of the Government I say congratulations and thank you to the Black Caps world test cricket champions."