Brendon McCullum ended his international career in style. In his 101st and final Test match, the former-New Zealand cricketer produced an epic knock against the Australian bowlers and hit the fastest-ever century in Test cricket. McCullum’s innings will be etched in memory for this day of 20 February in the second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
McCullum reached the landmark by breaching the three-digit mark in 54 balls, thus making him a record holder. He made history by breaking the record jointly held by Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq. Richards scored a 56-ball century against England in Antigua in the 1985-86 series, the record that was then equaled by Misbah against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014-15.
As fans celebrate the historic accomplishment, we recall Brendon McCullum’s iconic innings on this day in February 2016.
Brendon McCullum’s historic innings came on the first innings of the second Test against Australia; McCullum’s innings were historic as New Zealand started the Test poorly, losing four wickets for just 74. McCullum steadfastly weathered the storm till the needful partnership with Corey Anderson came alive. McCullum walked into bat with the Kiwis staring at 3 wickets down with just 32 runs in the 20th over.
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It was a glorious lifeline for Brendon McCullum when on 39 he was caught by Mitchell Marsh but umpire Richard Kettleborough wanted to check with the third official to see if bowler James Pattinson’s front foot might have gone no-ball, which eventually confirmed it.
He rejoiced in this chance, and proceeded to score a brilliant hundred. While McCullum succeeded in hitting a ton, Corey Anderson returned to the dressing room, scoring 72 runs off 66 balls.
Thus, McCullum’s counter-attacking was so successful that he scored Another fastest century, this time off 54 balls. From 79 balls, the former New Zealand captain was out for scoring 145 runs. His terrific knock comprised 21 boundaries and six maximums.
New Zealand’s first innings total came to 370. The Kiwis could not win the Test, despite brilliant batting by Brendon McCullum. Australia won comfortably with a target of 201, chasing down seven wickets.
