New Zealand skipper reached his ton from just 54 balls
Saturday 20 February 2016 20:08, UK
Brendon McCullum celebrated his international swansong in astonishing style as he smashed the fastest century in Test history, from just 54 balls, against Australia in Christchurch.
The New Zealand captain lit up the opening day of the second Test after being given a guard of honour by the visitors as he made his way to the crease with his side in deep trouble on 32-3 in the 20th over.
McCullum immediately went on the offensive and soon set another world record when he smote his 101st six in Tests off Mitchell Marsh, although he received a lifeline on 39 when Marsh took a spectacular, one-handed diving catch at gully only for the third umpire to rule that James Pattinson had overstepped.
The reprieve proved costly for Australia as McCullum, who is playing in his last international match, blitzed his way into the history books, hitting Josh Hazlewood for a six followed by three consecutive fours to reach his century.
His swashbuckling innings surpassed the previous record of 56 balls for a Test hundred, first achieved by West Indies legend Viv Richards against England 30 years ago and later matched by Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq against Australia in 2014.
McCullum continued to take the attack to the bowlers, but he finally holed out when he flicked Pattinson to deep square leg, where Nathan Lyon dived forwards and took a fine catch inches above the turf.
The 34-year-old walked off to a standing ovation having hit a memorable 145 from only 79 balls, featuring 21 fours and six sixes while combining with Corey Anderson for a fifth-wicket partnership of 179 in less than 20 overs.
Anderson cleared the boundary four times in his 66-ball 72, while BJ Watling also scored at more than a run a ball as he hit a lively 58 to help the Black Caps to 370 before he was the last man out in just the 66th over of the contest.
Australia were 57-1 in the 20 overs of their response which were played on day one, losing opener David Warner for 12 off the bowling of Trent Boult.
Watch day two of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia from 9.30pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 2.
