Record-breaking McCullum revives Kiwis in farewell Test

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum recorded fastest Test century in his farewell game to put his side on top at stumps on the opening day of the second match against Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

Array

The hosts were reeling at 32-3 when McCullum strode out and the subsequent dismissal of Kane Williamson (seven off 69 balls) relegated New Zealand to a precarious position.

With the ball nipping and leaping on a grassy surface, McCullum decided to choose attack as the best method of defence as the explosive batsman in collaboration with Corey Anderson (72) engineered a brisk 179-run stand for the fifth wicket, Stuff.co.nz reported.

McCullum (145) in the process surpassed master blaster Viv Richards and the unlikely figure of Misbah-ul-Haq to secure fastest ton in the longer format of the game in mere 54 deliveries.

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling then added 58 runs before New Zealand were bundled out for 370 in their first innings.

In reply, Australia lost opener David Warner (12) to reach 57 for one at the draw of stumps. Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns remained unbeaten on their respective scores of 18 and 27 as Australia aim to seal the two-match series 2-0.