McCullum has one last chance to get revenge

two-Test series in February. The pain of battles past would only add to the fairytale of McCullum’s triumphant final salute should the Kiwis rally for their skipper in Wellington and Christchurch – something they’re very capable of doing based on the current clinic they’re giving Sri Lanka.

Either way though, New Zealand’s loss will be Australian cricket’s gain with McCullum set to captain the Brisbane Heat for the next two Big Bash League seasons.

McCullum signed a three-year Heat deal but is unavailable this season due to international commitments.

Heat coach and McCullum’s former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori said the explosive batsman would be recharged and refreshed when he played in the Big Bash next season.

‘’We are going to have a fresh, excited cricketer,’’ Vettori said.

‘’I have spoken to him recently about how much he is looking forward to playing for Brisbane. All the Heat players are excited that he will be around for the next couple of years.

‘’Like most retired cricketers there is still a lot of cricket going on for him, like the IPL, so he won’t be coming to Brisbane underdone.’’

Vettori paid tribute to McCullum and said batting prodigy Kane Williamson would emerge as a fine Kiwi captain.

‘’People will look back fondly at Brendon’s career and revel in it,’’ Vettori said.

‘’Brendon will feel that Kane is ready to step up into the role.

‘’And if Kane feels like it is the right time to step in he will do a wonderful job.’’