Cricket World Cup: 'No regrets' for New Zealand - Brendon McCullum

New Zealand have "no regrets" despite losing to Australia in the final of the World Cup, according to their captain Brendon McCullum.

New Zealand suffered a seven-wicket defeat after recording a below-par total of 183, with McCullum dismissed for a duck in the first over.

"We walk away with our heads held high," McCullum said.

"We didn't lift the trophy but we have no regrets with the brand of cricket we've played."

He added: "I think we can be very proud of our achievements in this tournament. It's the greatest time of our lives and that's how we tried to play the game, with a free spirit and heart."

McCullum was bowled third ball by Mitchell Starc, but the opener said he had no misgivings about his typically aggressive approach.

"Hadds [Australia wicket-keeper Brad Haddin] asked me if I was going to have a crack," he said. "I said: 'Too right I am'.

"Starc was a bit too good for me today. He deserves the man of the tournament."

McCullum pinpointed the loss of three wickets for one run at the start of New Zealand's batting powerplay as a crucial point in the game.

"We got ourselves back in the game at three for 150," he said. "But Australia, as they do, put us back under pressure.

"Had we got 260, we might have had a different conversation now."

New Zealand's next assignment is to face England in Test and one-day international series this summer, and McCullum believes the Black Caps will benefit from their run at the World Cup.

"We're heading in the right direction," he said. "We have a group prepared to buy into team plans and play an aggressive brand of cricket."

"It's hard when you've lost a final, but we're richer for the experience."