Door open for BMac as Vettori farewells Heat
The odds of Brendon McCullum becoming the next Brisbane Heat coach just shortened after Daniel Vettori announced he was leaving the Big Bash League franchise.
Vettori said yesterday that he’d decided not to renew his contract for next year after a difficult season.
‘‘After careful consideration over the past few weeks, I have decided not to seek a contract renewal as head coach of the Brisbane Heat,’’ Vettori said.
‘‘I informed the general manager of my decision prior to the game against Melbourne Stars at the MCG and that was accepted by the club. I told the playing group and coaching and support staff of my decision before last night’s match.
‘‘I have loved my time at Brisbane, firstly as a player and then as coach, and the experience of being part of the growth of the BBL has been personally rewarding. I would like to thank the players for their efforts and wish them all the best in their respective careers. There is some exceptional talent within that group and I hope they have every opportunity to realise their ability and potential in the future.’’
McCullum had already announced this would be his final BBL season as he looks to begin a coaching career.
McCullum had the pads on in the Heats’ final home of the season on Friday at the Gabba but didn’t face a ball as teammates Ben Cutting and Max Bryant pulverised the Melbourne Stars to keep alive the race for the BBL top four.
The former New Zealand captain didn’t seem bothered by his batting redundancy, celebrating on the boundary by downing a cold beer in a fitting farewell for the departing star.
The 37-year-old was a little coy about what his future holds – he has been mentioned as a coaching option for the Heat – but he will not be forgotten in a hurry.
Meanwhile, McCullum’s blazing style, and his partnership with Chris Lynn, might have been treasured in Brisbane, but he said the feeling was mutual on Friday night.
‘‘It’s been 17 years, not everything’s been easy but it’s been a great ride,’’ he said.
‘‘Playing here has meant a tremendous amount. Brisbane’s been an extension of my New Zealand career.’’
The Heat have done all they can in their desperate bid to reach the finals and must now wait on the outcome of other games over the weekend.
Crushing the Stars in the 10th over gave the Heat’s net run rate a welcome boost but McCullum said finishing early wasn’t the team’s goal.
‘‘We didn’t discuss it. We just wanted to enjoy the occasion,’’ he said.
On any other night, McCullum and Chris Lynn staying in the dugout would have been depressing.
But 21,391 spectators roared joyously as Cutting and Bryant went to work. The Heats openers combined for the biggest powerplay (94 runs) in BBL history and Cutting’s 17-ball half century was the second-fastest in the BBL.
He finished on 81 off 30 balls while Bryant (71 off 30) was almost as savage.
‘‘They were outstanding. They played with total freedom,’’ McCullum said.