McCullum quits Big Bash, sets sights on coaching
He was back to his matchwinning best on Sunday but former Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum has called it quits in Australia’s Big Bash League.
McCullum told his Brisbane Heat team-mates after their sixwicket win over Adelaide Strikers that he would play his final BBL match on Friday.
Down at No 4 McCullum hit 51 off 39 balls as they chased down 177 to beat the Strikers for their fifth win of the season.
‘‘I will continue to play T20 cricket in 2019 in various competitions around the world and will then look to transition into a coaching career,’’ McCullum said.
‘‘The prospect of being able to transfer the skills, experience and leadership I have been lucky enough to bank over my long T20 and also international career into coaching is very exciting.’’
At 37 McCullum’s T20 career has been gradually winding down, starting when he was released by his Pakistan Super League side last year. He was also overlooked for the first time at the Indian Premier League auction.
A foundation member of the Brisbane Heat, coached by his former Black Caps team-mate Daniel Vettori, McCullum has scored 302 runs this season at an average of 23 and strike rate of 117. He was contracted to the Heat for next season but will now vacate his spot on the roster as their marquee player.
The Heat are out of playoff contention and host the Stephen Fleming-coached Melbourne Stars on Friday in their final regular season match.
Fleming, Vettori and Shane Bond are among his former teammates to carve out T20 coaching careers and McCullum will no doubt be sought after when he puts the bat away for good.
‘‘I have absolutely loved playing for the Heat. The fans have been amazing with their support and I have enjoyed seeing the pleasure they get from coming to our matches and having fun.
‘‘I’ve had a great time playing with my teammates, and it was a privilege to captain them. Coming into Brisbane each year before the start of the competition was always a highlight.’’