Brendon McCullum among the best modern captains

Among all cricketers who have captained in at least 50 ODIs, Brendon McCullum is No. 9 in terms of win percentage.

Brendon McCullum is playing his final international match as New Zealand host Australia in the second Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. For the bulk of his career, McCullum seemed to be heading the route so many New Zealand cricketers had before him: an honest, likeable cricketer who was never really in league with the biggest stars of his generation. Till he took over as New Zealand’s captain, McCullum’s legacy was perhaps the 158 he scored to kick-off the Indian Premier League (IPL) in its inaugural match in 2008. He took over as captain of the Black Caps amid some controversy, with Ross Taylor’s ouster leaving a bitter taste.  FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test at Christchurch

Having taken over the reins in January 2013, McCullum led New Zealand to successive innings defeats in South Africa. England toured New Zealand soon after that. Despite taking a 293-run lead, New Zealand were unable to bowl out England in their second innings in the first Test. Rain saved New Zealand from a possible defeat in the second Test, and Matt Prior managed to save the final Test for England by a whisker. VIDEO: Brendon McCullum slams fastest Test ton against Australia in 2nd Test at Christchurch

It was soon New Zealand’s turn to tour England, and they suffered massive defeats. New Zealand then toured Bangladesh, and the hosts held New Zealand to draws in both Tests. Next, West Indies visited New Zealand. A monumental 218 from Darren Bravo following on meant that West Indies escaped with a draw. READ: Brendon McCullum receives guard of honour from Australia in final Test at Christchurch

By now it was 10 Tests and almost a year since McCullum took over as skipper. He had yet to win a Test. The tide was soon to change, in phenomenal fashion. West Indies were hammered at Wellington and Hamilton. India toured next, and despite being in winning positions in both Tests the visitors ended up losing one and saving the other. West Indies were beaten 2-1 at home, and Pakistan were held to a 1-1 stalemate in UAE. Sri Lanka were crushed 2-0 when they toured New Zealand. England pulled off a superb win at Lord’s but New Zealand bit back with an equally enthralling victory at Headingley. New Zealand had now gone six series without a defeat. READ: Skipper Brendon McCullum gave himself absolute freedom, and stats prove he thrived in it

A tour to Australia came next, and it was there that their streak finally came to an end; but not before some controversy in the Day-Night Test at Adelaide, that could have ended differently had a close call gone New Zealand’s way. Sri Lanka were dispatched 2-0 when they toured New Zealand next. Australia next visited New Zealand and won the first Test at Hamilton by an innings. Australia had New Zealand in the doldrums at 32 for 3 in the ongoing second Test at Christchurch before McCullum turned the tide. It remains to be seen how the match pans out, but under McCullum New Zealand have shown the tendency to come back from the brink. READ: New Zealand must keep Brendon McCullum’s legacy alive

As for ODIs, McCullum rates among the most successful captains of all time. Among all cricketers who have captained in at least 50 ODIs, McCullum is No. 9 in terms of win percentage. Here is the list of the top 20 ODI captains who led in at least 50 matches, arranged by win percentage:

The metaphors will continue to flow for McCullum, but his numbers alone are hard to ignore. There have been few teams over the years that reflected their captain as thoroughly as the recent Black Caps have resembled McCullum. That in itself says a lot.

(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek who loves cricket more than cricketers. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)

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