Royal honour for Kiwi duo

New Zealand's unprecedented success in reaching the ICC World Cup final earlier this year has resulted in honours for captain Brendon McCullum and coach Mike Hesson. Both were appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZOM) in the Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Honours list released Monday.

Therese Walsh, head of the New Zealand organising committee for the World Cup, which was co-hosted with Australia, was made a Dame Companion of the NZOM.

The honours were announced as McCullum eyed a series-levelling Test victory over England after leading his side to a commanding position on the third day of the second Test at Headingley. Hesson said he hoped the accolades would be seen as recognition for the entire New Zealand team, both on and off the field.