McCullum Wants To Win Farewell Series

Brendon-McCullum
Brendon McCullum all set to play his farewell series against Australia at home . Image Source : 9cric.com

Internet Desk : Brendon McCullum is all set to play his 100th Test match at Basin Reserve in Wellington . The New Zealand captain will be retiring from international cricket at the end of the two-Test series against Australia, which starts in Basin Reserve tomorrow.  The dashing wicket keeper batsman will be looking to cap off an illustrious career with one last triumph.

The 34-year-old’s Test record is an impressive one – with 11 centuries, 30 half-centuries, 751 fours and 100 sixes on his way to a total of 6,273 runs.  It will be a remarkable achievement for McCullum as he will be playing his 100th test match since making his debut in 2004 .

“It will be nice to tick off a series win against Australia,” McCullum said on Thursday. “It will be pretty special to be able to do it at home. It’s also nice to be able to have one of your last Tests and the 100th Test on such a special ground.The last 15-20 Tests are a memorable part of my life, with the evolution of the environment and the performances we have started to put up.”

McCullum will feel proud to be able to achieve the remarkable feat. It does speak volumes of his longevity and fitness ,”I look back with sense of pride in what I achieved to play 100 straight Tests; proud of the longevity, overcoming injuries and overcoming the toughness of touring and ups and downs of performance. I’ve still been able to get back up off the canvas and warrant a place in the team.”

However, with all the attention set to be on McCullum, their trans-Tasman rivals will be looking to spoil the party.  Australia have won 18 of their last 25 Test matches against New Zealand and have lost only once in that period. The Aussies are also undefeated in their last seven Tests – featuring five wins – but the Black Caps are unbeaten in their last 13 Tests on home soil, winning seven and drawing six.

However, the condition of the pitch in Wellington, which is expected to retain some of the significant grass cover it had on the eve of the game, may cause some problem for the visitors.

Captain Steve Smith admits he is aware of what may face Australia, and knows his side will need to be wary following some disappointing performances in similar conditions during the Ashes last year.

“We haven’t been good enough with the bat on wickets that have been doing a bit in the last year or so,” he said.

“The wicket here looks like it might do a bit so we’ve got a bit to prove and we’ve got to adapt accordingly, a lot better than we have in recent times.”