The Black Caps are returning home from the Cricket World Cup and some of the senior members are backing coach John Bracewell to keep his job.

There are calls for Bracewell to be axed after the New Zealanders reached the semi-finals before losing to Sri Lanka.

Stephen Fleming, who announced his retirement as the one-day international skipper after that defeat, is supporting the coach.

"I think John's a fine coach and it's going to be out of my hands but I think what he's done in the past few years has been very good especially the past 12 -18 months," said Fleming.

That message was echoed by Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram.

"I hope he reapplies; I hope he gets the position. He's got us to a point which has seen us reach the semi-final," said McCullum.

"I would say I'm fully behind John, I really enjoyed his coaching. People may sight the results and see a little bit of inconsistency. I honestly believe we have a good unit and he's taking us in the right direction," added Oram.

Despite losing three of their last four games in the West Indies, McCullum believes the team are on the verge of cracking the big time.

"We've scratched the surface of what we're capable of, and if we keep improving, keep pushing each other and I guess stay the tight knit unit that we are then we've going to continue to get some good results and sooner or we will get over the line and win something."

The Black Caps have laughed off claims their performances proved there's a lack of toughness within the side.

"It hurts when people label you gutless and you weren't' trying as hard as you might have because I don't know what we have to do. Maybe show a bit of blood, sweat and tears to prove to people we're trying our hardest," said Oram.