Brendon McCullum says cricket retirement comes at right time
Thursday 25 February 2016 09:45, UK
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said the time was right to quit international cricket despite hitting one of his best innings just days earlier.
It was not the way the 34-year-old wanted to retire, as Australia completed a 2-0 series sweep by winning the second Test by seven wickets.
But McCullum did mark his swansong in stunning fashion, setting records for the fastest century and most sixes in Test history (107).
There were emotional scenes as McCullum led his side from Christchurch's tree-lined Hagley Oval at the end of the game.
"It's not the ideal way to go out but at the same time, I've had a great time," he said. "We're obviously disappointed to lose the Test match and the series but the right team won.
"The time's right. I came to that realisation when I made the decision and I knew I could steel myself for another couple of challenges.
"Hopefully I've left and brought some fun and enjoyment and some real culture back into the set-up in the time that I've had as captain."
Australia gave him a guard of honour ahead of his first innings and he responded by smashing them all around the park, scoring the fastest century in Test history off just 54 balls.
"When someone's career winds down, other cricketers want to show their respects in some way as well," he said.
"You never foresee that level of respect that Steve Smith and the Australian team showed with that guard of honour would ever eventuate.
"What comes with the good times also comes with its challenges. You walk away knowing that you've been able to front up and try to go out there and get a performance on the board and I guess now you're a little bit relieved."
He said he hoped to be remembered "as a guy who played for the right reasons and who, if in doubt, was prepared to take the positive option.
"Hopefully, the guys that I've played with will remember you as a good bloke as well."
McCullum finished his Test career with 6,453 runs at an average 38.64. He scored 12 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
