Published: Dec 22, 2015, 11:53 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 22, 2015, 11:53 AM (IST)
Brendon McCullum today announced that he would quit all forms of international cricket after the second Test against Australia at Christchurch in February next year. The New Zealand skipper has stunned the cricket world with his ability to go ballistic at the top against best of the oppositions time and again in the past. And this time, he has managed to do it again, albeit in a different way. His services will be dearly missed by the New Zealand cricket team as he’s always been an astute and aggressive captain.
Very few cricketers get a chance to bid farewell to international cricket in front of the home crowd. McCullum ensured that he does something similar. His retirement was around the corner as he already tipped off the same but his decision to call it ahead of the World Twenty20 (T20) came as a surprise.
The second Test of the Australia in New Zealand Test series will be played at Christchurch where McCullum lives with his family at present.
McCullum was quoted in a report from ESPNCricinfo saying, “I think there’s something pretty romantic about finishing playing cricket in front of New Zealand crowds and in New Zealand grounds. The Basin Reserve has the history and means a lot to New Zealanders. And Christchurch is now my established home. There’s a little bit of romance there. That was certainly the focus for me. I can steel myself for another couple of battles – ones which I look forward to.”
New Zealand has nurtured well during McCullum’s captaincy, as he also led his side into the finals of the 2015 Cricket World Cup but didn’t manage to win it. They were also undefeated in 13 Tests at home on a trot.
McCullum has also been suffering from back problems but giving more time to the family was instrumental behind his decision. He said, “My body has been sore for a while, but that’s just international sport. That’s not it. In the end, the time has come and you’ve got to move on. There’s a few things I’ve got on the go – a matter of three kids to deal with. Maybe I’ll put some time and effort back into them after selfishly chasing my dreams for the last decade or so”
