Christchurch, Feb 20:
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hit the fastest century in test history, from 54 balls, in his last international match as the home side put on a display of power hitting today, the first day of the second test against Australia.
McCullum beat the previous mark of 56 balls shared by West Indies ‘Master Blaster’ Viv Richards and Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq, and his innings led New Zealand to a creditable 370 after being sent in on a green pitch. In reply, Australia was 57-1.
McCullum raced from 80 to 100 in just four balls, with two sixes and two fours off Josh Hazlewood, reaching the record with a four through extra cover.
McCullum was eventually out for 145, superbly caught at deep square leg by Nathan Lyon off James Pattinson, off 79 balls with 21 fours and two sixes.
His innings had guided New Zealand from early trouble at 32-3 to 253-5 when he departed.
“The record is something you’re immensely proud of but of course you don’t set out to achieve it,” McCullum said. “I managed to ride my luck all the way through and we’re in a pretty strong position at the end of day one.”
The main piece of luck was a reprieve after being brilliantly caught by Mitchell Marsh at gully. McCullum was on his way back to the pavilion when replays showed Pattinson had overstepped, and it was a no-ball.
Corey Anderson, who batted in McCullum’s shadow, still reached a brisk half century from 39 balls and was out soon after McCullum for 73. At tea, B.J. Watling was on 6 and Tim Southee on 5, after a ballistic second session that saw 199 runs scored at a rate of 8.9 runs per over. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel