McCullum's masterful blitz: The perfect finale to an iconic cricket career
McCullum scored a 54 ball Test ton [Twitter]
Former New Zealand captain and swashbuckling right-hander, Brendon McCullum's illustrious career, culminated in a record-breaking 54-ball century against Australia at Christchurch on February 20, 2016.
With his aggressive and innovative approach to the sport, McCullum left an indelible mark on the game of cricket. The ex-Black Caps skipper, who is presently serving as England's head coach, has instilled his 'Bazball' philosophy - a strategy that centers around an attacking brand of cricket - in the England cricket team, which has been infused with a newfound sense of confidence over the past year.
In his final international game, McCullum, leading his side won the toss and opted to bat first with the hope of posting a huge total on the board. However, the decision appeared to backfire as Australian bowlers took three wickets with only 32 runs on the board.
Despite the precarious situation, McCullum walked onto the crease with a sense of responsibility and urgency to save his team from potential disaster. Whereas other batsmen might have preferred to take their time and settle into the game, McCullum launched a counterattack on the Australian bowlers.
Although New Zealand lost the wicket of Kane Williamson, McCullum's batting style remained undeterred. Instead, his attacking approach yielded results and he was ably supported by Corey Anderson.
With a flurry of boundaries and three powerful sixes, McCullum scored a half-century in just 34 deliveries. As the innings progressed, McCullum's attack became even more lethal, and before the Australians knew what hit them, the Kiwi skipper reached his century in just 54 deliveries, shattering the previous record for the fastest Test century by two balls.
Before him, the joint record for the fastest Test century was held by the legendary Viv Richards and Misbah-ul-Haq, who had attained the milestone in 56 deliveries.
After Anderson departed for a noteworthy 72 off 66 deliveries, McCullum continued to dominate, receiving support from BJ Watling as he went on to score an impressive 145 runs off just 79 deliveries.
Thanks to McCullum's scintillating century and another valuable 58-run innings by the wicket-keeper, the Kiwis managed to post 370 runs on the scoreboard. However, Australia went on to score a mammoth 505 runs in their first innings and emerged victorious in the Test match.
Nevertheless, McCullum's masterful blitz in his final Test outing for New Zealand was the standout highlight of the game, cementing his status as one of the most lethal batters in the history of cricket.
 "Jatin")
