OTD: Brendon McCullum was born in 1981

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was born on this day, September 27, in 1981 in Dunedin, Otago. Considered one of the most influential captains New Zealand ever had, he is also the only New Zealander to score a triple hundred in Test cricket.

McCullum made his New Zealand ODI debut in 2002, replacing Adam Parore as the wicketkeeper. His Test debut came against South Africa in 2004, while his T20I debut came in 2005 against Australia. His brother Nathan McCullum also played international cricket for New Zealand, and his father, Stuart, played 75 first-class games for Otago.

He revolutionised how batters approached bowling T20 cricket and highlighted the need to attack in the powerplay overs. McCullum lit up the Indian Premier League’s first-ever game in 2008, scoring the then-highest T20 score of 158* for Kolkata Knight Riders.

McCullum brought his bravado with the bat in Test cricket as well, scoring the first-ever triple ton for New Zealand against England, after he had scored 225 in the same series. McCullum hammered the fastest Test ton in 54 balls in his final outing in red-ball cricket.

As a captain, McCullum inspired New Zealand to the final of the 2015 World Cup, leading from the front with the bat at the top.

McCullum has participated in global T20 leagues as a player. Canterbury, Otago, New South Wales, Brisbane Heat, Warwickshire, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Sussex, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Glamorgan are just a few of the teams he has played for.

McCullum made 6453 runs at an average of 38.64 in 101 tests, including 12 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with the highest score of 302. He scored 6083 runs at an average of 30.41 and a strike rate of 96.37 in 260 ODIs, including five centuries and 32 half-centuries, with the best score of 166.

McCullum excelled in T20Is as well, scoring 2140 runs at a strike rate of 136.21, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries, with the best score of 123.

McCullum retired from all cricket in 2015 and has since transitioned into coaching. He is currently the head coach of the England team across formats and is credited with the ‘Bazball’ way of batting, which means batting aggressively even in Test cricket.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket playes and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away