Triple centurion McCullum seals series win

Wellington Test ends in draw as India rue missed opportunity.

Brendon McCullum sealed one of the most memorable comebacks in Test history by recording a first-ever triple century by a New Zealand batsman in the longest format of the game. His innings ensured a series win for his team as the second and final Test against India ended in a draw in Wellington.

The tourists were set a target of 435 runs in 67 overs on the final day after McCullum declared his team’s second innings at a monumental 680 for eight.

The Black Caps who recovered from 94 for five, were staring at an embarrassing defeat before the miraculous turnaround.  MS Dhoni’s men had taken a healthy 246 run lead and were coasting to a win before McCullum’s heroics.

The right-hander first shared a world record partnership worth 352 runs with BJ Watling before a 179 run association with Jimmy Neesham who contributed to the run fest with 137, his maiden Test ton.

McCullum finally perished for 302 runs, compiled off 559 balls. His innings included 32 fours and 4 sixes.

After the declaration India chose to bat the day out, the tourists were rocked by three quick wickets but Virat Kohli’s 135 balls 105 ensured a draw.

The match was called off with the tourists at 166 for 3.

‘Embarrassed to go past Martin Crowe’

McCullum was humbled by his heroics; the record-setting batsman claimed that he was embarrassed to beat the New Zealand record of an individual innings, 299 set by legendary Martin Crowe.

“Almost embarrassed to go past Martin Crowe, incredibly humbling to get my name there and score the first triple [century].”

“We spoke the other night when we found ourselves in a precarious situation. But we didn’t want to end such a good summer on a sour note,” McCullum said at the post- match presentation.

MS Dhoni felt that his bowlers gave it their all in their endeavour to force a win.

“We bowled well in the first innings; second innings also was a good start,” he said.

“We had to field for two and a half days; I have to personally appreciate the bowlers. Even when the third new ball was taken, they ran in hard.” Dhoni concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2014.

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