Published: Dec 21, 2014, 03:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 21, 2014, 03:00 PM (IST)
It was a partnership that crushed the visiting Indian team’s hopes of winning a much awaited overseas Test. In February 2014, at Basin Reserve in Wellington, India had managed a healthy 246 runs first innings lead and had New Zealand 94 for five in the second innings. An innings defeat was in the sight for the hosts when New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum and wicket-keeper BJ Watling added 352 runs for the sixth wicket, which not only helped the home side save the Test, but also win the series.
The unbelievable exploit went on to be the world record partnership for the sixth wicket and McCullum became the first New Zealander to score a triple hundred in Test cricket. The remarkable feat was honoured by the New Zealand cricket museum, which too is based at the Basin Reserve.
Just in time for the @BLACKCAPS‘ #NZvSL series, there’s a new addition to the #BasinReserve. Here’s a sneak peek… pic.twitter.com/hAwzk5orV7
— NZ Cricket Museum (@NZCricketMuseum) December 21, 2014
Brendon McCullum’s historic achievement to be the first New Zealander to reach 300 in a test innings will be recognised by the awarding of the ‘Keys to the City’ of Wellington.
The Mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade-Brown will also honour McCullum by awarding him ‘Key to the Wellington.’ The unique key will be awarded to him in a short ceremony during the tea break on the first day of their Test against on January 3, at the Basin Reserve.
Mayor Wade-Brown said the award was a fitting recognition of the New Zealand captain’s achievement as he became the first cricketer from the nation to reach the triple century.
“The Basin Reserve is a treasure for Wellington City, and is regarded worldwide as a special Test Cricket venue. Cricket fans from the Capital, around New Zealand and the world have witnessed many triumphs and dramatic moments, and Brendon’s magnificent innings ranks among the best of them,” she said.
