Auckland, Feb 28 (IANS): New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was cleared of serious injury after taking a nasty crack to the forearm from Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson during a cricket World Cup Pool A encounter here Saturday.

McCullum looked in serious trouble when he copped a short delivery at 150kmh from Johnson in the third over of New Zealand's chase for 152 at the Eden Park, reports stuff.co.nz.

The game was held up for several minutes as McCullum gathered himself and was attended to by medical staff. He had a bandage applied and strapped on an arm guard then took strike again to Johnson, He blasted 50 off 24 balls as New Zealand won by one wicket.

McCullum looked to be struggling for feeling in his arm and kept shaking it after playing a shot. But it didn't stop him blasting Johnson for a big six down the ground.

The skipper applied ice to the arm and remained with the team rather than seek an X-ray after he was dismissed. He was said to be sore and would be reassessed in the morning.

Batsman Kane Williamson said there were no worries about his captain's condition.

"I think he's OK. It was a bit of a concern when a ball that fast hits you on the arm but he's a tough competitor and he's a strong leader so I'm sure he'll be fine," Williamson said.

The Black Caps now have three days off before reassembling in Napier to prepare to face Afghanistan March 8.