Published 16:18 IST, September 27th 2019
ICC pays unique tribute to Kiwi great Brendon McCullum on his birthday
ICC paid a unique tribute to former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum on his birthday as they took to its social media handle to highlight his achievements.
The cricketing fraternity and fans flooded former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum with birthday wishes as the cricketer turned 38 years on Friday. Regarded as one of the world's best and explosive batsman, Brendon McCullum played a key role in guiding New Zealand to the finals in the 2015 World Cup and in also shaping the future of the Black Caps team. The Kiwi batsman has shattered many records during his 13-year-long career and has entertained fans like no other cricketer has. Brendon McCullum was recently appointed as the head coach of the Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders.
ICC's tribute to Bazz
Brendon McCullum was widely regarded as the most fearless batsman who took on all bowlers irrespective of whichever format of the game that was being played. Known for his ruthless aggression, Brendon McCullum was known for smashing the bowlers all around the park, apart from his Superman-like fielding skills. On his birthday, ICC took to social media to share some of the milestones of McCullum's career. Brendon McCullum scored the fastest Test century in the final Test of his career against Australia - making 145 runs off just 79 balls. The Kiwi star also lit up the proceedings in the opening game of the Indian Premier League as he smashed 158 runs in the opening game for the Kolkata Knight Riders, a feat that is still etched in the memories of the Indian fans. In New Zealand's 3rd match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup, McCullum scored 77 runs of 25 balls recording the fastest fifty in world cup history (51 runs off 18 balls), and the 3rd fastest fifty in ODI history. He also scored a brutal 59 against South Africa in the semi-final. ICC took to Twitter to convey its birthday wishes to the former Kiwi skipper. Read the wishes here:
Bazz's cricketing legacy
Brendon McCullum had recently hung up his boots from all forms cricket. He had retired from international cricket back in early 2016. He has represented New Zealand in 101 Tests, 260 ODIs and 71 T20Is. He had announced his retirement from international cricket back in early 2016. Nonetheless, he continued to play franchise cricket. He had played his last IPL in 2018 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The 37-year-old had also called it a day from the Big Bash League (BBL) earlier this year where he was representing Brisbane Heat. McCullum had also led New Zealand to their maiden World Cup final in 2015 which was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. They finished as the runners-up after the Aussies had completely outplayed them in a lop-sided contest. Opening the innings, Bazz was castled by Mitchell Starc in the very first over and arguably it sealed New Zealand's fate in that summit clash.
Updated 16:51 IST, September 27th 2019