Brash, Brutal, Brilliant Brendon - A Tribute to Brendon McCullum

There aren’t too many players in the world that can dance down the wicket and hit 150+kph deliveries straight over the bowler’s head, but here, this chap who does it with ease. Brutal while slogging, he is a very vivid gentleman in nature. ‘Pure Gentleman’, these two words are enough to describe him as a person. Yes, I am talking about Baz.

Brendon McCullum. How do you define him? He's just immeasurable. Let me quote Jarrod Kimber here.

"The excitement you felt when you watched him captain or fly through the air to save a boundary, or tapping his bat, about to face a ball - you can't put a number to it"

Statistics, records, or raw numbers do not define him. He is a negotiator, destructor and a fighter. He may not be one of the greats of the game as per some, but the impact he has left on the game speaks volumes about him. Year later, people will remember a man that was courageous enough to bat freely and not have a second thought about anything despite his team being on 32-3.

Fastest test century ever in his last international game. It took him just 54 balls. That was typical McCullum. He never changed. Most legends would play at their pace and would go for the landmarks in their last games without taking risks. But that is not how this man plays.

Coming out to bat and having a strike rate 

below cent was never his way of playing

He is often known for offending the bowlers by unleashing the beast inside him and corking the bowlers all over the park. Today, he is one of the most respected cricketers in the world, no doubt about being an inspiration and best-loved cricketer of many cricket fans. It is impossible to look away when he arrives on the crease as he muscles balls over both the side of the field.

As he retires, let us take a look at his glorious and thrilling cricketing journey.

Image : businessinsider.com.au

McCullum describes himself as ‘brash’, successfully proving out why, after he became the second man to score a T20 international century when he brazenly scooped 155kph offerings from Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes over the keeper’s head in 2009-10. Some players can’t play a scoop while facing medium pacers and this guy? Well, that’s what makes him exceptional. McCullum has been used throughout the New Zealand batting order since his debut in 2004.

Image : cricketdawn.com

Coming out to bat and having a strike rate below cent was never his way of playing. He was considered to be the face of destruction right from the time he took his guard and was later responsible for getting the IPL to an electrifying start, lightening up the tournament’s first match with a thrilling knock of 158 and showing a ruthless approach towards what the format had to offer.

However, he showed the world that he had other gears too and could bat according to the needs of the team; at Wellington in 2014 against India, he compiled a bounteous score of 302 runs in 775 minutes. This monumental knock saved the match for the Kiwis from a hopeless position. During this marathon of runs, McCullum also became the first Kiwi to score a triple-hundred.

Mccullum was always an inherent part of New Zealand team. If he failed to entertain with the bat, he was a serious nightmare and a reason of frustration for the batsmen as his fielding and athleticism were second to none. Diving and running every time to save precious runs up his sleeves for the team was always on point. Such determination and dedication for the game is rarely found in some cricketers. Here is a glimpse of some of his great fielding abilities: 

When McCullum was handed over the captaincy, he slowly moulded New Zealand into a rattling and hugely-popular team in all formats. The way Kiwis played under him was really terrific. The game was played in an attacking manner but without sledging and needless aggression. Under him, New Zealand reached the World Cup finals in 2015 and went on to be undefeated in 13 consecutive home Tests. 

Brendon McCullum in his farewell speech.

At the end of 2015, Brendon McCullum announced that he will officially retire from international cricket after the Test series against Australia in February 2016. Playing his last series which consisted of 2 Test matches meant that he will become the first player to play 100 consecutive Tests since the debut.

Brendon McCullum recieves the guard of honour in his final test.
Image : crictracker.com

In his last Test he notched up a century in only 54 balls. The world record for fastest 100 in Tests held by Sir Vivian Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq was broken. Brendon McCullum is the new owner of the record now with his name carved on this monumental milestone. During this flow of pure destruction, he completed 100 sixes, surpassing the previous record held by Adam Gilchrist of 100 sixes in Tests. Now he has 106 sixes to his name, most by any player in Tests. However, Aussies denied a perfect farewell to him by sealing the series 2-0. Kiwis lost that series but McCullum made sure that the crowd was entertained by his blistering knock. He left the game not only with the awe-inspiring knock but also an emotional speech. Have a look at McCullum's farewell speech: 

It’s hard to believe for the cricket universe but we have got to accept this sad fact that Brendon McCullum will not be playing any international matches from now on. He has called it up. Those powerful strokes with the bat and a very calm nature on field will forever be missed. He has now handed over the torch to Kane Williamson. We wish Brendon McCullum a great future ahead. Man! You have been an amazing person. Cricket will miss you, legend. Thank you for entertaining us over a decade, it's been an honour to have you!