Kiwis back keeper in run-out storm

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden has defended wicketkeeper Brendan McCullum, who ran out Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan when he left his crease to congratulate team-mate Kumar Sangakkara on his hundred during the first Test in Christchurch.

"There is no issue at all about the spirit of cricket as the ball was still alive. The umpires have the same view," Snedden said.

New Zealand won the match by five wickets.